draft sustainable soil and water quality practices on ......and re-codification of environmental and...

DRAFT

Sustainable Soil and Water Quality Practices

on Forest Land

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

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MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MISSION STATEMENT

"The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations."

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STATEMENT

The Natural Resources Commission, as the governing body for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, provides a strategic framework for the DNR to effectively manage your resources. The NRC

holds monthly, public meetings throughout Michigan, working closely with its constituencies in establishing and improving natural resources management policy.

This information is available in alternative formats.

Printed By Authority of: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Total Number Of Copies Printed 2,000 Total Cost: $ Cost Per Copy: $

1 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

FOREWORD Dear Reader and User: This is the first substantial revision of the “Water Quality Practices on Forest Land”, also known as Michigan’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual. The original was published in 1994 with several re-printings and minor changes to adjust for governmental reorganization and re-codification of environmental and natural resource protection laws. A key influence in revising the original manual has been the development of forest certification standards. These standards emphasize sustainable forestry principles and practices which include protection of water and soil resources. In the United States, there are two primary forest certification systems: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), developed by the American Forest and Paper Association, and the set of standards developed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The scope and use of the term “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) has been expanded in this manual. This manual uses “BMPs” in the context as those practices that not only protect surface water quality, but soil quality too. Two new sections have been added: 1) The forest wetland protection practices to use when constructing roads, and 2) guidelines to address rutting. The term “buffer strip” has been changed to “Riparian Management Zone” (RMZ). This term provides a more accurate description regarding the activities allowed in the forested area adjacent to a stream or other water body. Forest management activities are allowed, provided extra precaution is used and the integrity and function of the RMZ is maintained during and after forest management activities (i.e. logging) are completed. Please note that the BMPs described in previous editions are incorporated into this manual. The specifications have not been changed nor have the statutes governing them. From a legal standpoint, the use of these BMPs is voluntary. However, properly applying these practices enables the responsible party or parties to meet pertinent environmental protection regulations. Voluntarily applying these practices will, under most weather conditions, prevent sediment or other non-point sources to go into a stream or other open water body. This manual describes the specifications and techniques to properly apply voluntary BMPs. It also provides information regarding environmental laws and regulations that may apply when forest management activities occur. This manual provides recommended guidelines and specifications. It does not cover all situations, as conditions vary from site to site. There is room for latitude, and these practices may be modified for specific site conditions to protect soil and site productivity, and water quality resources.

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Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................4 2. LAWS AND PERMITS..............................................................................................................................5

Stream Crossings....................................................................................................................................5 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations.........................................................................6 Wetlands and Floodplains ......................................................................................................................6 Other Laws Affecting Forest Management ...........................................................................................7

3. FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND SPILLS ......................................................................................................8 Spill Prevention Best Management Practices ......................................................................................9 Spills .........................................................................................................................................................9

4. TIMBER HARVEST PLANNING ............................................................................................................10 Pre-Harvest Planning ............................................................................................................................10

5. RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT ZONES (RMZs).........................................................................................12 Forest Management Activities within the Riparian Management Zone ...........................................12 Site Specific Factors to Consider ........................................................................................................13 Riparian Management Zone Water Quality Function Factors...........................................................13 Riparian Management Zone Widths ....................................................................................................15 Designated Trout Streams and Management Within the Riparian Management Zone ..................16 Management for Shade Intolerant Species within the RMZ ..............................................................16 Natural River Regulations and RMZs ..................................................................................................17 Wild and Scenic Rivers .........................................................................................................................17

6. FOREST ROADS....................................................................................................................................18 Planning and Forest Road Placement.................................................................................................18 Reducing Water Volume and Velocity on the Forest Road System .................................................19 Road Grades ..........................................................................................................................................19 BMP Specifications for Construction for Protection of Water Quality ............................................20 Road Management Measures for Permanent and Temporary Roads ..............................................22 Winter Roads .........................................................................................................................................22 Road Closure and Retirement ..............................................................................................................23

7. WATER DIVERSION DEVICES .............................................................................................................24 Earth Berm Water Bars .........................................................................................................................24 Conveyor Belt Water Bars ....................................................................................................................25 Temporary Water Bars Made from Slash or Logs..............................................................................26 Broad-Based Dips .................................................................................................................................27 Diversion Ditches ..................................................................................................................................29 Cross Drainage Culverts.......................................................................................................................30

8. STREAM CROSSINGS ..........................................................................................................................31 Temporary Bridges................................................................................................................................32 Crossing Streams Using Culverts .......................................................................................................33 Culvert Installation and Placement......................................................................................................33 Guidelines Regarding The Application of The Mesboa Method Based on Stream Channel Width And Culvert Diameter............................................................................................................................36

9. RUTTING ................................................................................................................................................37 10. LANDINGS ...........................................................................................................................................39 11. SKIDDING.............................................................................................................................................39 12. WETLAND BMPS AND FOREST ROADS ..........................................................................................41

Forest Road Construction in Forested Wetlands ..............................................................................42 BMP Specifications for Forest Road Construction on Organic Wetland Soils...............................42 Specifications for Roads Constructed on Mineral Soils or a Thin Organic Layer..........................44

13. FOREST ROADS - CONTROLLING SEDIMENT MOVEMENT AND TRANSPORT DURING RAIN EVENTS ......................................................................................................................................................45

Brush Barriers .......................................................................................................................................45 Silt Fence................................................................................................................................................45 Riprap .....................................................................................................................................................46

14. SITE PREPARATION, REFORESTATION AND FOREST PROTECTION.........................................47 Mechanical Preparations ......................................................................................................................47 Prescribed Burning ...............................................................................................................................48 Chemical Treatment ..............................................................................................................................48

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Reforestation .........................................................................................................................................49 Use of Pesticides...................................................................................................................................49 Wildfire Damage Control and Reclamation.........................................................................................50

APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................................51 APPENDIX B - WORKING WITHIN THE LAWS GOVERNING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION......55 APPENDIX C - LIST OF APPLICABLE LAWS IN MICHIGAN .................................................................56 APPENDIX D - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING STREAM CROSSING REGULATIONS AND PERMITS ................................................................................................................59 APPENDIX E – VEGETATIVE EROSION CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ..........................................................................................................................................60 REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................67

Index of Figures

Figure 1. Pre-Harvest Site and BMP Plan Map.......................................................................................11 Figure 2. Example of a Riparian Management Zone..............................................................................12 Figure 3. An Example of a Knuckleboom Harvester. ............................................................................14 Figure 4. BMP Construction Road Techniques Based on Slope and Soils. .......................................21 Figure 5. Proper Installation of a Silt Fence. ..........................................................................................24 Figure 6. Earth Berm Water Bar Construction. ......................................................................................25 Figure 7. A Conveyor Belt Water Bar. .....................................................................................................26 Figure 8. Illustration of a Water Bar Made of Slash...............................................................................27 Figure 9. Broad-based Dip. ......................................................................................................................28 Figure 10. Diversion Ditch........................................................................................................................30 Figure 11. Cross-Drainage Culvert..........................................................................................................31 Figure 12. Example of a Wooden Portable Bridge.................................................................................32 Figure 13. Example of a Portable Folding Metal Bridge........................................................................33 Figure 14. Culvert Installation Without Change in Stream Bottom Elevation.....................................34 Figure 15. Illustrations and Instructions for Installation of a Stream Crossing Culvert....................34 Figure 16. Illustration of Proper Use of Riprap & Geotextile Around Inlet of Stream Crossing

Culverts...............................................................................................................................................35 Figure 17. Measuring Bankfull Width.....................................................................................................36 Figure 18. Forest Road Rutting Damage ................................................................................................37 Figure 19. Wheeled Harvester/Processor with Bogey Tracks. .............................................................40 Figure 20. Example of Empheral Draw..........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 21. Proper Culvert Installation and Use on a Wetland Road. ...................................................43 Figure 22. Porous Road Design Using Large Stone..............................................................................44 Figure 23. Illustration of Use and Placement of Culverts and Ditches for Wetland Roads...............45 Figure 24. Cross Sectional Views of a Check Dam. ..............................................................................46 Figure 25. Check Dam Spacing. ..............................................................................................................46

Index of Tables

Table 1. Riparian Management Zone Width Adjusted for Slope. .........................................................15 Table 2. Soil Erosion Susceptibility. .......................................................................................................15 Table 3. Water Bar Spacing Intervals......................................................................................................25 Table 4. Spacing for Broad-Based Dips..................................................................................................29 Table 5. Rutting Guidelines......................................................................................................................38

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1. INTRODUCTION Michigan is bordered by the Great Lakes. Twenty percent of the world's freshwater is contained in these lakes. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth. Forty thousand (40,000) of the 95,000 square miles of Great Lakes are contained with Michigan’s boundaries. In addition, Michigan's land mass includes 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. Clean water is one of our greatest natural assets. Management practices on forest lands, by all owners, will determine if the forests remain healthy and productive. It is true that healthy, stable and productive forests are closely associated with the highest quality of surface and ground water. Integrating the water and soil protection practices described in this manual can prevent erosion, sedimentation and soil compaction, an essential part of maintaining a healthy forest and healthy watersheds. Other uses and activities can also have long-term impacts on ground water. The 19 million acres of forested land in Michigan are a great natural resource asset. The sustainable management of Michigan’s forests serves to protect the health of Michigan’s waters and the health of Michigan’s communities. These forests, about one-half of the State's land area, are owned by many people. The largest owner group is the 385,000 individuals whose private holdings range from small woodlots to tracts of several thousand acres. Fifty three percent (53%) of Michigan's forested acres are held by this group. The next largest ownership group is public forest lands (20% owned by the State, and 15% by the Federal government). The forest products industry and timber investment firms own the remaining 12% of forest land. Forest landowners and their agents and contractors are responsible for any damage to streams, lakes, and wetlands resulting from any aspect of a logging or other forest management operation. Environmental degradation is covered by existing laws in Michigan. Violation of those statutes or failure to secure the necessary permits can result in financial penalties to the landowner. The landowner or their designated agent must obtain a permit to cross a stream, construct a road that disturbs more than one acre of soil, or engage in an earth change within 500 feet of water body. Regular inspection of all roads, bridges, culverts, and preventive actions taken to prevent erosion and the movement of sediment into surface waters, are part of a high quality and sustainable forest management operation. This manual was revised with assistance from staff in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It takes language extensively from the original 1994 DNR publication, “Water Quality Management Practices on Forest Land”. Many of the graphics are courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) BMP Field Manual. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) document entitled “National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Forestry” was also a source of information in developing this manual. This manual provides information and guidance on how to plan, design and implement a system of Best Management Practices that will protect water and soil quality while harvesting timber or engaging other forest management treatments. In forestry operations, poor management practices can degrade surface water and groundwater quality by introducing the following major pollutants: sediment (mineral and organic), nutrients, chemicals, heat and debris. The purpose of this manual is to assist the forest landowner and persons who do forest management work on the ground. It provides specific guidance on how to protect water quality, critical habitat, and aquatic resources, while conducting timber harvesting or other forest management activities. The guidelines described in this manual can be adjusted to the conditions of the site at the time logging or other forest management activities are carried out. The goal is to provide guidance that protects water and soil quality, while allowing for the efficient removal and transport of

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forest products, as well as allowing for post-harvest treatments such as prescribed burning or site preparation/regeneration practices. To insure clarity between legal requirements and voluntary soil and water protection practices and guidelines described in this manual, the following symbols have been used:

All voluntary practices are denoted by the symbol “ ”.

All legal requirements are denoted by the symbol “ ”. 2. LAWS AND PERMITS In addition to the BMPs and other types of management practices described in this manual, loggers, land managers and landowners should be aware of existing regulations relating to forest management and water quality protection. Most of these laws and regulations are listed in Appendix C, List of Applicable Laws in Michigan. This chapter summarizes certain permits related to water quality. For more information, please contact your local DEQ office.

Stream Crossings

When constructing a new or upgrading an existing stream crossing, there are three specific statutes of P.A. 451, 1994 Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), that always apply. These are: Part 31, Water Resources Protection; Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control; and Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams. For each part, there are a legal set of rules and regulations that apply. In certain cases, Part 303, Wetlands Protection and Part 305, Natural Rivers may also apply if a stream crossing occurs in a wetland environment or on a stream within the watershed boundary of a legally designated Natural River system.

To be in compliance with parts 31, 301 and 303, the responsible party must complete the DEQ/United States Army Corps of Engineering (USACE) "Joint Permit Application" (JPA) package. The JPA covers permit requirements pursuant to State and Federal rules and regulations for construction activities where the land meets the water and including streams and wetlands. These types of areas are often referred to as the land/water interface. The JPA is available electronically for on-line submittal through the Michigan Timely Application and Permit Service (MITAPS). Visit: www.michigan.gov/jointpermit for more information about MITAPS, to download or view the JPA.

If you have questions regarding completing the JPA, or how to properly size and install a culvert, contact your local DEQ office. A DEQ office location map and staff contact information can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Please note that a Part 91 permit, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (see below) is usually required before constructing any roads or landings. Landowners or their designated representative should also note that a permit from the DNR, under Part 305, Natural Rivers may also be required if conducting forest management activities within one of the 16 designated Natural River systems.

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Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations

Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, PA 451, 1994, as amended (NREPA), has the primary intent of protecting the waters of the State from the deposition of sediment and wind erosion as the result of earth change activities during construction. Specifically, a Part 91 permit is required for those activities involving earth changes one or more acres in size or within 500 feet of a lake or stream. When enacted, Part 91 was considered legislation that was primarily applied to regulate construction activities to protect the waters of the State. However, a legal review by the State Attorney General’s office determined when that earth changes which occur when newly built forest access roads to and from the landing are constructed, earth changes for the purposes of installing landings, and other ancillary activities associated with logging require the landowner to obtain a Part 91 permit prior to constructing access roads or clearing an area for a landing(s).

Part 91 permit applications are obtained by contacting your local county enforcing agency (CEA). Such agencies may include the county drain commissioner’s office, the county building department, or the county conservation district office. In some counties, there are multiple municipal enforcing agencies (MEA) that can issue part 91 permits. To locate the appropriate CEA or MEA for the county you are interested in, visit: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/sesca. Note, this may require that someone in your firm or agency receive training by DEQ regarding the plans, BMPs and inspections required to meet Part 91 law. Note that the DNR is designated by DEQ as an Authorized Public Agency (APA). This means that the DNR does not need to obtain a Part 91 permit for earth change activities, but does have to follow those procedures that were approved by the DEQ to maintain their APA status.

Wetlands and Floodplains

Per Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), silvicultural and timber harvesting activities are exempt from obtaining a wetlands permit. Construction or maintenance of forest roads, or temporary roads for moving forestry equipment, is exempt, providing the roads are “constructed and maintained in a manner to assure that any adverse effect on the wetland will be otherwise minimized”

Any construction, fill or alteration of a floodplain of a river, stream, or drain which has a drainage area greater than or equal to 2 square miles will require a State floodplain permit under Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). With respect to forest management, such projects include placement of fill for road construction, or installing a culvert or bridge. The applicant uses the Joint Application Package to obtain a floodplain permit.

http://www.deq.state.mi.us/sesca

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Other Laws Affecting Forest Management

Michigan’s forests are not only valued for their production of wood products, but also because they contain vital cultural and archaeological resources. They also provide critical habitat for rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals. With respect to cultural and archaeological resource protection, Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), contains legislation that reserves for the State the exclusive right and privilege of exploring, surveying, excavating and regulating through its authorized officers, agents and employees, all aboriginal records and other antiquities, including mounds, earthworks, forts, burial and village sites, mines or other relics, and abandoned property of historical or recreational value found upon or within any of the lands owned by or under control of the State. An archaeological site is a place where remnants of mankind's past are sealed in the soil. The scientific and historic value of a well-preserved archaeological site is far greater than the value of the artifacts found there. The exact location of artifacts in the ground, their spatial relationships to other artifacts, to soil composition, to bits of charcoal, bone or chemically distinct areas of soil are all clues that archaeologists can translate into a more complete picture of the past. Archaeological sites also preserve items that are fragile and can be easily recognized only by a specialist. These include tiny fragments of burned plant remains, pollen, charcoal suitable for radiocarbon dating, deteriorated bits of pottery or leather, and the traces left in the soil by hearth fires, refuse pits or privies. Proper management of archaeological sites is guided by one overriding principle: avoid disturbing the soil. The following guidelines cover some common situations that land managers should keep in mind: 1. Grading or bulldozing of the site should be avoided whenever possible. 2. Pulling stumps, planting trees, laying utility lines and other activities requiring

excavation of soil should be avoided. 3. Activities that will involve only the surface of the site, such as lawn seeding or laying

woodchip trails, are acceptable. 4. Erosion control measures, if done carefully, will benefit the site, as long as soil

disturbance is minimized. 5. In the case of historic foundation walls and similar structures, careful trimming of

saplings and other vegetation growing within them will aid preservation of the site. In such cases, the roots should be left in place because attempts to remove them can damage fragile masonry.

6. Vandalism is a common cause of damage to sites. Sites in isolated locations should not be marked in any way. Unless a site is under responsible, direct care, anonymity is the best protection. In such cases, the site's exact location should be known only to the land manager or others directly responsible for the site. Sites in public view that can be checked regularly can be marked and interpreted for the public. In these cases, the combination of public inspection and public awareness minimizes the chances of serious damage to the site. An example of an isolated location is a forest accessible only by a two-track road.

In Michigan, threatened and endangered species are protected on both public and private lands. Part 365 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) states an individual may not harm or take threatened and endangered species. When it is uncertain if a threatened or endangered species occupies the area to be harvested, or timber harvest impacts are unclear, the landowner or other responsible party should contact the DNR and request an Environmental Review. The

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process can be initiated in two ways: 1) The DNR Wildlife Division staff receive a written request for review of a proposed project; or 2) a proposed project site is reviewed on the Endangered Species Assessment website. In both cases, the location of the proposed project is compared with Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) data for locations of endangered or threatened species and other natural features (special concern species, exemplary natural communities, and geologic features). If a threatened or endangered species will be taken or harmed, an Endangered Species Permit, issued by the DNR, is required. Those using the Endangered Species Assessment website can perform their own preliminary review and request a formal review (if necessary) directly on the website. Others can request an environmental review by sending a written request with the following information: Brief description of the proposed project.

• Brief description of the location (town, range, section, county). • What is there now (buildings, type of vegetation, recent disturbance). • Map of location clearly marked with major roads for reference.

You will receive a written response in approximately 3 to 4 weeks. Reviews are processed in the order they are received. The DNR cannot give out location data or conduct reviews over the phone, all requests must be received in writing. There is no charge for this service. Mail requests to:

ENDANGERED SPECIES SPECIALIST WILDLIFE DIVISION MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PO BOX 30444 LANSING MI 48909-7944 Phone: 517-373-1263; FAX: 517-373-6705

3. FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND SPILLS Chemical releases in Michigan are potentially reportable under one or more of twenty-six different State and Federal regulations. Determining which regulations apply to a specific release can be an overwhelming task. The "Release Notification Requirements in Michigan" table, compiled by the DEQ Environmental Science and Services Division, is designed to help owners and operators of facilities in Michigan, including vehicles and farms, determine their potential notification and reporting requirements, in the event of a chemical release. Check your permits, licenses, registrations, pollution prevention plans, and local ordinances for additional release reporting requirements. Visit the DEQ website at www.michigan.gov/deq and type “spill/release reporting” in the Search field. The remote locations that are typical of most forestry operations result in many on-site maintenance activities. The equipment operator must constantly guard against spills of fuels, lubricants or other toxic materials. Proper equipment maintenance, including routine checks of hoses and fittings, is the key to protecting surface water and ground water resources from the impacts of fuel and lubricant spills and leaks. Common sense, care, proper planning and the anticipation of problems that may occur can eliminate or reduce potential water quality problems arising from spills.

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Spill Prevention Best Management Practices The following BMPs/precautions should be adopted for all activities requiring equipment operations:

A contingency plan for accidental spills should be developed for every operation. Also, spill kits, as recommended by DEQ, should be provided for every piece of equipment operating on site.

Provide receptacles in maintenance areas or in vehicles for collecting solid wastes such

as empty grease tubes, oil filters and other trash. The materials collected in these receptacles must be disposed of properly, at an approved solid waste site. Empty oil barrels should be recycled or properly disposed of as solid waste at an approved land fill.

Locate fueling areas away from water bodies and drainage structures and at locations

where a potential spill can be contained and properly treated. This will minimize the chance of surface water or groundwater contamination. Where a spill does contaminate soil, the contaminated material must be removed from the site and deposited at a facility licensed for that purpose.

Designate a specified area for draining lubricants from equipment during routine

maintenance. The area should allow all waste lubricants to be collected and stored until transported off-site for recycling, reuse, or disposal at an approved site. Maintenance activity should not occur while equipment is located in water bodies, flood plains or wetlands.

Provide maintenance vehicles with the equipment necessary to collect and store

lubricants drained during repair activities. Breakdowns could require lubricants to be drained from equipment at locations away from the designated collection area.

Provide DEQ approved spill kits to every equipment operator.

Spills

When spills of fuels or lubricants do occur, if the spill is large, an emergency situation may exist. An operator or any member of a logging crew must be prepared to take action to keep the spill from spreading and entering the water courses on the site. Any emergency spill should be reported to the Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) toll-free at (800) 292-4706. Additional contacts may be necessary or desirable, depending on the location and spill situation. It is recommended that each logging site have a completed Spill Response Plan that is available to all members of the crew.

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4. TIMBER HARVEST PLANNING Timber harvesting includes felling, forwarding, sorting, loading and hauling of timber products. Harvest operations require haul roads, log landings and skid trails to be developed and maintained. Timber harvesting, and other silvicultural treatments such as tree planting, soil scarification, and herbicide application, are vital and integral parts of management of forest resources. The treatments contribute to a healthy and vigorous forest. These practices perpetuate the land use which has the greatest potential for protecting surface water quality. Pre-Harvest Planning Pre-harvest planning is the collection of information about the area to be harvested and the use of this information to determine the best time and method to harvest while protecting water and site quality. The planning includes deciding where current and new roads and skid trails are located. Consideration should be given to water quality protection measures and appropriate BMPs. Large forest operations may have checklists and timber sale proposal specifications which address these. Pre-harvest planning helps the logger or forest resource professional in developing a timber sale contract that protects water quality, as well as soil and site productivity. This may include a map (may not be drawn to a specific scale) identifying such concerns as:

• Property boundaries.

• Streams and drainages.

• Soils.

• Slope.

• Approximation of proposed main haul road and skid trail locations.

• Potential log landings.

• Stream crossings.

• Riparian management zone designations.

• Vernal pools or open water wetlands.

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Figure 1 is an example of a harvest site map with BMPs mapped out accordingly. Note that this is for an example only. The use of topographical maps may be of use in forested areas having variable and sloping terrain. A narrative may also be part of the planning in which road and trail specifications, along with amount and size of machinery for harvest and removal of timber products, are identified. Timing of harvest and timber sale contract conditions may be included as well.

Figure 1. Pre-Harvest Site and BMP Plan Map

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5. RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT ZONES (RMZs) Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) are sometimes called buffer strips, filter strips, or streamside management areas or zones (see Figure 2). An RMZ occurs on both sides of perennial or intermittent streams and around the perimeter of bodies of open water (e.g. open water wetlands or lakes) where extra precaution is used in carrying out forest management practices including timber harvesting activities.

Figure 2. Example of a Riparian Management Zone

One of the purposes of a management zone is for water quality protection to provide an area of vegetation to interrupt water flow and to trap and filter out suspended sediments, nutrients, chemicals, and other polluting agents before they reach the body of water. An RMZ also provides shade to small streams, thus reducing thermal pollution. That part of the zone nearest the stream bank can also make an important contribution to the aquatic food chain. As trees die within the RMZ, all or portions of them may fall over into the adjacent stream. This dead material provides aquatic habitat known as large woody structure (LWS). Naturally occurring LWS in lakes and streams provides essential areas of shaded cover for fish, amphibians and aquatic insects and can provide important isolated platforms for reptiles and small mammals. As a general rule, trees that have the potential to provide LWS to a lake or stream should not be cut. Forest Management Activities within the Riparian Management Zone Michigan’s BMPs do allow for forest management activities within the RMZ. These include equipment operation and timber harvesting. The key is ensuring the water quality protection function of the RMZ is maintained (see Section “RMZ Water Quality Function Factors”) throughout the harvesting operation. The RMZs should be maintained along all perennial and intermittent streams, lakes or ponds where nearby management activities result in surface/soil disturbance, earth changes and where erosion and sediment transport occur during rain events. An example of this is a newly constructed forest road where the base consists entirely of compacted soil and the road begins eroding after a rain event.

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The RMZs are critical to watersheds, wildlife, fish, trees, and people for many different reasons. These zones are essential for diverting pollutants flowing toward a waterway. Adequate vegetation in a RMZ helps filter and trap pollutants such as sediment, excess nutrients, and other contaminants before they reach surface waters. Excessive disturbance of the forest floor within the RMZ minimizes its ability to prevent nonpoint source pollutants from reaching a stream or other water body. In fact, such disturbance might lead to the transport of sediment directly from the RMZ to the water body adjacent to it. Site Specific Factors to Consider Landowners considering forest practices in or near a RMZ must plan carefully to assure that the water quality functions of the RMZ are maintained. Those unsure of the water quality impacts of a planned activity should seek the advice and assistance of foresters or other natural resource professionals familiar with RMZ functions, or leave the RMZ undisturbed. The following are site-specific factors to consider prior to harvesting or conducting other management activities in the RMZ: • Water body characteristics.

• DNR designated trout stream. � Greater than 50 feet in width (typical beaver dam building activity not a concern on

these streams). � Less than 50 feet in width (typical beaver dam building activity is a concern on these

streams). • Designated Natural River (There are specific rules and regulations for each designated

Natural River system). • Slope. • Soils. • Aesthetics. • Existing vegetation. • Shade requirements to maintain water temperature. • Time of year activity is scheduled to occur. • Availability of large woody structure for the adjacent water body. • Recent precipitation. • Extent of soil saturation. Riparian Management Zone Water Quality Function Factors The water quality function of RMZs can be maintained by meeting the following specifications:

When setting up the timber sale, make sure the forester or logger establishes a minimum RMZ width of 100 feet, from each side of a stream, measured from the top of the bank of the lake or stream or the ordinary high water mark. RMZ width should be increased as slope percentages increase (see Table 1). RMZ width shown in Table 1 may need to be increased where domestic water supply could be impacted.

Zone width may have to be increased along State designated "Natural Rivers" and

federally designated "Wild and Scenic Rivers" as designated in their management plans.

Minimize disturbance of the forest floor in the RMZ (a recommended goal is to have less than 10% of the soil disturbed).

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Harvesting/cutting specifications should be modified to retain a sufficient number of trees to maintain shading of streams and to leave a relatively stable and undisturbed forest floor (less than 10 percent soil exposure).

Locate haul roads outside of RMZs. Where a road must cross a stream, it should do so

at right angles. A permit from DEQ to construct a stream crossing is required.

Locate equipment storage and maintenance sites and landings outside all RMZs.

Remove all limbs and tops from harvested trees from streams and open water wetlands as these are considered sources of “unnatural” organic debris and impact aquatic habitat, including lowering levels of dissolved oxygen required to maintain a healthy coldwater fisheries.

Skidding logs in the RMZ should be avoided whenever possible. Use of knuckleboom

harvesters or removing logs with a cable and winch is better.

Skidders should not be operated is RMZs when soils are saturated as the soil easily compacts and runoff is not easily absorbed by the soils in the RMZ.

If cutting must occur in the RMZ, every effort should be used to remove timber from the

zone with techniques such as cable harvesting, or use of tracked equipment with knuckle boom cranes (see Figure 3) to ensure equipment is not negatively impacting the RMZ’s soil base. Even if the soil is not scarified, compaction will decrease the ability of the soil to absorb runoff.

All roads, cuts and fills in the RMZ must be stabilized. Use appropriate seeding and

mulching procedures (see Appendix E). Energy dissipaters (e.g. rock ranging from 3-12 inches in diameter) should be installed at inlets and outlets of cross-drainage culverts located underneath roads approaching a stream.

Drainage structures such as culverts, diversion ditches, conveyor belt water bars, and

broad-based dips should be installed according to BMP specifications (see section 7) prior to roads and primary skid trails entering an the boundary of a RMZ.

Figure 3. An Example of a Knuckleboom Harvester.

(Note tracks and boom which allow it to remove timber from a RMZ with little soil disturbance.)

15 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Riparian Management Zone Widths More and more, forest water quality research indicates that a 100 foot or 30 meter RMZ is the minimum needed to protect water and aquatic habitat quality when conducting forest management activities adjacent to a water body, especially if the activity provides a source of sediment (e.g. a dirt based forest road). Widths from 50 feet to 500 feet have also been suggested if management objectives include protecting wildlife habitat or controlling beaver activity on smaller streams. Table 1 illustrates the minimum recommended widths for RMZs based on slope. Note that these widths are for overland sheet flows only. Nonpoint source pollutants transported via concentrated flows into a RMZ will usually require additional measures, such as placing geotextile silt fence overlain by riprap or large sized rock, ranging from 3-12 inches diameter, for a width of 3 feet and a length of 5 feet (Michigan Department of Transportation, 2003) When measuring for a proper width of a RMZ, take into account the natural variablility of the landscape and widen the RMZ accordingly. Slope can be calculated with several methods, including using a string and line level, or using the services of a licensed professional surveyor. Remember that it takes years for deposited sediment to be cleansed from a stream, so the landowner or the land manager should err on the side of caution when establishing the width of a RMZ.

Table 1. Minimum Riparian Management Zone Width Adjusted for Slope.

Slope of Land Above

Water Body or Stream (%)

Minimum Width of Riparian Management

Zone (Feet) 0-10 100

10-20 115 20-30 135 30-40 155 40-50 175 50 + Timber removal is not advised

due to the high potential for erosion and sediment transport.

Table 2. Soil Erosion Susceptibility.

(Re-printed courtesy of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.)

Surface Soil Texture

Susceptibility to Erosion

(1=highest) Silt, silt loam, loam, very fine sandy loam 1

Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clay loam 2

Clay, silty clay, sandy clay, very fine loamy sand 3

Sandy loams, loamy sands, sands 4

16 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Designated Trout Streams and Management Within the Riparian Management Zone Certain streams, located throughout Michigan, are labeled by the DNR as “Designated Trout Streams” because these streams contain significant populations of trout or salmon. The DNR Director’s Order FO-210 lists all designated trout streams, and is available upon request, or can be found online at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Excess erosion of sand sediment into streams is broadly regarded as a serious threat to the viability of trout streams in northern Michigan. Research has demonstrated that relatively small increases in sand erosion into streams can greatly reduce spawning habitat and habitat for the food supply (e.g. caddis fly or mayfly larva). When topography is relatively flat, sediment can stay in a given stream for several decades. Thus, it is critical to maintain a healthy, functional RMZ to prevent sediment from reaching Michigan’s streams, as part of any BMP system. Trout are sensitive to changes in habitat requirements, and require a clean gravel bed, along with large woody structure and cool water temperatures to sustain their populations in a given coldwater stream. Because of these narrow population sustaining requirements, forest management activities or even allowing the operation of skidders within the RMZ may be different what is “typical” practice for RMZ management. On streams smaller than 50 feet in width, dam construction by beavers can be a significant source of damage to many of these smaller coldwater streams, destroying in their ability to sustain healthy trout populations. The DNR encourages forest managers or landowners to establish a RMZ 300 feet in width in which the regeneration of aspen is prevented. Possible management options within the RMZ that favor trout and associated aquatic habitat are: 1) leaving large super-canopy trees within 50 feet of the stream bank as a source of shade and large woody structure (wood that is four inches or greater in diameter), 2) manage to promote the health and vigor of longer-lived coniferous (e.g. white pine and hemlock) and deciduous species (e.g. sugar maple), 3) harvest only trees that are 50 feet away from the stream and that can be transported out of the RMZ without disturbing the soil (see Figure 3 as an example of a piece of harvesting equipment that allows this) Management for Shade Intolerant Species within the RMZ To meet wildlife goals, landowners may consider that managing for shade intolerant species, particularly aspen, within the RMZ is desirable but still want to protect the water quality protection functions of the RMZ. In general, landowners, loggers and land managers should consider if the amount of timber harvest removal is compatible with the ecology of the stream. Warmwater rivers or streams are ideal candidates for this type of management. With the help of a forester, creative silvicultural and harvesting methods can be employed to allow for both goals. While large scale clearcuts should be avoided in the RMZ, it might be possible to regenerate species like aspen using other harvesting methods. For example, small clearcuts ¼ to ½ acre in size spaced appropriately throughout the RMZ may be an option. Cuts like these mimic natural disturbance regimes known as blowdowns. Another example is designate cutting in the RMZ to a higher residual basal area (BA) such as 20 -25 basal area than what would occur outside the RMZ (total clearcut). This provides enough sunlight to promote regeneration of aspen or other shade intolerant species. Also consider leaving a higher basal area (e.g. 60-80 BA) or clusters of mature longer-lived trees within 50 feet of the stream bank for shade, soil and bank stabilization and a source of large woody structure. Refer to Appendix A-Glossary for the definition of basal area.

17 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Natural River Regulations and RMZs There are currently 16 legally designated Natural River Systems in Michigan. Part 305, Natural Rivers, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), provides the DNR with the legal authority for managing these river systems. Note that in all the management plans, the term “vegetative buffer strip” is used in place of the term Riparian Management Zone. However, for the purposes of this document, the term “RMZ” will be used to avoid confusing the reader. All forest management activities within the legally designated RMZ are regulated. A permit is required before any activities can take place. A Natural River management plan has been developed for each designated river. Each plan includes use and development standards for private and public lands. The State is required to manage its lands and programs in accordance with the adopted Natural River plan. For more detailed information and the listing and location of all 16 Natural Rivers, visit the DNR Natural Rivers website at www.michigan.gov/dnrnaturalrivers.

In addition, all public agencies must comply with the Rules for Utilities and Publicly Provided Facilities adopted as mandated by Part 305. These rules include standards related to road/stream crossings, erosion control, management of vegetation in utility corridors and others.

Natural River plans typically include standards related to public access site development, campgrounds, land and stream alteration, motorized vehicle use and vegetative buffer requirements. Thirteen of the 16 rivers also have State zoning rules based on the plans that contain private land development standards for residential development and limited commercial activity such as campgrounds, canoe liveries and rental cabins. Most rivers also have local zoning ordinances in effect based on Natural River plans.

The RMZs are maintained to provide fisheries and wildlife habitat, filter runoff, provide shade to maintain cool water temperatures, prevent streambank erosion and sedimentation of the Natural River system, screen new developments and maintain the aesthetic qualities of the Natural River system. On public lands, RMZs may range from 50 feet to 200 feet wide on each side of the river or tributary. Private land buffers also vary, but are statutorily limited to a width of no more than 100 feet on each side of the river. Dead, diseased, unsafe and fallen trees, as well as noxious plants, can be removed within the RMZ. Under a permit issued by the DNR, trees and shrubs may be selectively pruned or thinned for timber harvest, habitat improvement or to maintain public utility facilities. Clearcutting is not usually permitted within the buffer.

Other development standards for public land are designed to maintain the natural character of the river corridor, limit the impacts of recreational use and help prevent resource damage. New campgrounds have development standards such as setbacks for campsites and associated structures. New access site standards may restrict sites to “walk-in” only and include setbacks for parking areas. Within 400 feet of the river, motorized vehicle use is usually restricted to designated public roads and access roads to permitted areas. Land alteration is prohibited in areas of high groundwater.

Wild and Scenic Rivers The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, (Pub. L. 90-542 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287) is legislation enacted by Congress and establishes federal protection for designated free-flowing rivers throughout the country. They are designated as “Wild and Scenic Rivers.” This designation regulates the management and control of development on these river systems.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnrnaturalrivers

18 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

In Michigan, there are 16 Wild and Scenic River systems. The management and regulations for these river systems occur strictly within the administrative boundaries of Michigan’s three National Forests. Each component of the Wild and Scenic rivers system is administered to protect and enhance a variety of values and certain uses of a designated river are limited. Emphasis is given to protecting its aesthetic, scenic, historic, archaeological, and scientific features and values. For more information, such as the listing and location of those river systems within Michigan, visit the website: http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wildriverslist.html. 6. FOREST ROADS Forest roads are that part of a forest land road system, either temporary or permanent, which are designed and maintained for the transportation of timber products and often maintained and used for access for resource protection and recreation activities. They are usually minimum standard roads, i.e., single lane with turnouts, surfaced with locally available materials or just the underlying bare soil that is compacted and graded after the vegetative cover is removed. Commercially processed gravel underlain by geotextile is good for use in critical erosion areas. Properly laid out, constructed and maintained forest roads provide safe operations over longer periods at desirable vehicle speed. Operating and maintenance costs, as well as sedimentation runoff, are reduced because of proper construction (this includes installation of BMPs), placement and regular maintenance. It is important to also be aware of load limit restrictions that are in place for those county or State roads which serve as part of the transportation route from the logging site to the mill. Planning and Forest Road Placement • Use of Soil Surveys

When constructing new forest roads or upgrading old ones, knowing the soil types that exist where the road(s) will be placed can be essential to knowing how to construct the road itself to minimize soil erosion. Most of the counties in Michigan have completed soil surveys. Contact the local Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, or the County Extension Office for information about obtaining or using a soil survey. The description of a particular soil covers the nature and limitations of the soils, erosion hazard, rock outcrops, construction, and engineering properties of each soil series.

• Other Factors in Road Placement

Reconnaissance of the property generally should be done before constructing a road or roads. This consists of looking at the property with a road plan in mind and developing an idea of where roads should or should not be built. Consider the following points during road reconnaissance:

Terminal Points – Where is the system going to start and end? Where is the best

access from public roads? Where are the landings going to be?

Grades – Roads designed with a slope of 10% or less are usually the easiest to maintain.

Topography – Roads on moderate side hills are easiest to build and drain.

http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wildriverslist.html

19 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Obstacles – Note springs, seeps, wetlands, poor drainage areas, ledges, and rocky areas. Design the road system to go around them.

Distance from streams – The goal is to avoid placing a road within the RMZ, unless it is

for the purposes of crossing a stream.

Stream crossings – Cross at a 90 degree angle and approach the stream at as gentle a slope as possible. Keep the number of crossings to a minimum.

Old roads – Consider using existing or abandoned roads or trails to lessen soil

disturbance. However, if they are located areas where road drainage is difficult or the potential for erosion or rutting is high it is better to construct a new road to the construction specifications stated in this manual.

Size and duration of a timber sale and the anticipated season of harvest.

The location and potential impact on flood plains and wetlands.

When planning forest roads to the harvest area, sketch the tentative location of the roads, landings, major skid trails, and the approximate RMZs on the plan map. An enlarged topographical map of where forest harvesting is to occur may be helpful.

Planning on paper helps to pinpoint potential problems, to develop alternative routes, and to consider what erosion and sedimentation control measures are necessary. Have RMZs identified prior to road placement to prevent locating roads or major skid trails in these sensitive areas.

Reducing Water Volume and Velocity on the Forest Road System The first priority for constructing a road system is to keep the road surface as free of water as possible. Surface water running over exposed soil builds up momentum, as the slope and distance increase. The running water picks up soil particles then transports them down hill, causing soil erosion. Road drainage is the single most important factor in keeping the road passable and in minimizing erosion and sedimentation. Various structures for water control and erosion control are discussed in the section, “Water Control Devices and Forest Roads”. Construct roads on side hills for good cross-drainage, while avoiding seeps, springs, and swampy areas. If a stream, spring, or seep cannot be avoided, plan to use proper water control structures (see pages 26-30). The landowner and the person planning the road system should walk the proposed route of the road system and decide on matters affecting the owner's objectives and construction costs, while striving to preserve water quality and wetlands. Road Grades A road grade of 2% to 10% is desirable. A hand level should be used to avoid problem areas and maintain the desired grade of the road. Grade and slope are expressed as the amount of vertical rise, divided by the horizontal distance traveled, multiplied by 100. Check the grade frequently with the hand level. A single stretch that is too steep or a flat area that will not drain may result in road erosion. Where the terrain is relatively flat, the person laying out the road should strive to maintain a minimum 2% slope to maintain adequate drainage of runoff. Also, roads in low topography areas should be crowned (as shown in Figure 4), to allow for water to drain off the road, to lessen the chance of rutting and ponding.

20 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Where absolutely necessary, grades of 15% to 20% may be used for short distances, (i.e., less than 300 feet). Where a steep grade is necessary, at least 300 feet of road above and below should be less than 10% grade, to reduce the amount and velocity of water on the steep area. On those portions of the road with such steep grades, special surfacing such as 3 inches of gravel may be necessary to avoid erosion and rutting. BMP Construction Specifications for Protection of Water Quality

The key to constructing a good “pro-water quality” road system is to have the entire road system follow the contour of the land and keep road grades consistently between 2% to 10%.

Construct roads to break or change grade frequently. This will result in less erosion than

roads that have long, straight continuous gradients.

Gradients up to 20% are permissible for distances up to 300 feet.

On soils with severe erosion hazard (see Table 2), grade should be 8% or less..Grades up to 12% are acceptable if the length of this section is less than 150 feet.

Water diversion by cross drainage culverts (interception of surface water on road, up

slope from the top of steep slopes) is often needed to keep excess water off the steeper grades.

Cross all water courses as close to a right angle to the stream as possible. Size

structures so as not to impede stream flow in keeping with good drainage practices.

The gradients of road approaching stream crossings should be reduced to disperse surface water at least 50 feet from the watercourse.

Roads should be located (with the exception of stream crossings) a minimum distance of

100 feet. Stabilize stream bank approaches with rock or gravel.

Outslope (see Figure 4) the entire width of the road where road gradients will permit.

lnslope the road toward the bank, as a safety precaution, on sharp turns, road gradients of 15% or greater, and on clay and/or slippery soils (see Figure 4).

Where roads are insloped (see Figure 4), cross drain runoff 25 feet up-grade of any

short stretches of road where gradients exceed 10%.

Avoid locating roads on level ground, along ravine bottoms or on a flood plain where drainage away from the roadway is difficult to establish.

In areas having little or no slope, road drainage is often a problem. However, crown

these sections of road (see Figure 4) to get the water off and away from the roadway.

During wet conditions, apply a layer of 3 inch crushed rock or coarse aggregate at depth of at least 3 inches (6 inches is optimal) at least 50 feet before reaching the the highway.

Provide a minimum essential width of 12 to 14 feet for a single track road. Increase

width as necessary at curves and turnouts. Note that logging trucks used for transporting wood chips may need road widths greater than 14 feet to operate safely and properly.

21 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Road-bank cuts should be sloped and seeded to prevent erosion as necessary.

Ensure good road drainage with properly constructed and spaced turnouts, broad-based

dips, and cross-drainage culverts. Construct turnouts so waterflows are dispersed and will not cut channels across buffer zones.

Install riprap or rock having a range of 3 to 12 inches in diameter, with a minimum

(MDOT, 2003) at the outlets of cross-drainage culverts to slow the velocity and diminish the erosive force of these channelized flows.

. Figure 4. BMP Construction Road Techniques Based on Slope and Soils.

(Re-printed courtesy of the United States Forest Service)

22 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates (EPA, 1999), over 90% of the sediment entering forested streams comes from the forest road system. Therefore, the entire road system should be designed to the best standards possible before any road construction begins. This process may take more time, but the road system will be more efficient, less costly, and easier to maintain, and ensure minimum negative impact on water quality. Study the area, noting the lay of the land. Pay particular attention to steep slopes, flat areas, streams, spring seeps, boulders, rock outcrops, and other potential obstacles. Roads built on south-facing slopes tend to stay drier than those on north-facing slopes. Be sure to look at these problem areas during the walk-through of the area. Road Management Measures for Permanent and Temporary Roads

Avoid using roads for timber hauling or heavy traffic during wet or thaw periods on roads not designed and constructed for these conditions.

Evaluate the future need for a road and close roads that will not be needed. Leave closed roads and drainage channels in a stable condition to withstand storms.

Remove drainage crossings and culverts from temporary roads.

Following completion of harvesting, close and stabilize temporary spur roads and seasonal roads to control and direct water away from the roadway. Remove all temporary stream crossings.

Inspect roads to determine the need for structural maintenance. Perform maintenance when conditions warrant, including cleaning and replacement of deteriorated structures and erosion controls, grading or seeding of road surfaces. In extreme cases, stabilize slope or remove road fills where necessary to maintain structural integrity.

Perform maintenance activities, such as dust abatement, so that chemical contaminants or pollutants are not introduced into surface waters, to the extent practical.

Properly maintain permanent stream crossings and associated fills and approaches to reduce the likelihood that: (a) the stream overflow will divert onto roads, and (b) fill erosion will occur, if the drainage structures become obstructed.

Inspect the road at regular intervals to detect problems and schedule corrective work.

Keep roadway and water control structures free of windfalls, logging debris and other obstructions.

Ensure the free flow of water in the road drainage system, especially during logging operations.

For permanent roads used during logging operations, grade the road surface to reshape it so that it sheds water.

Fill in ruts and holes as they develop.

Winter Roads Winter roads are often used during the harvesting of forested wetland areas. They provide access during frozen ground conditions for timber harvesting and other timber management activities. Properly constructed, winter roads are recognized as an important component of forest management.

23 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Consider using culverts or bridges to cross definite drainages where winter roads are to be used for several years. Note: a DEQ permit is required for crossing streams and most drainage areas.

Ice bridges can provide acceptable temporary access across streams during winter. Ice bridges are made by pushing and packing snow into streams and applying water to freeze the snow. Their use is limited to winter under continuous freezing conditions. A permit from DEQ is necessary before an ice bridge crossing can be built. Generally, ice bridges are best used for streams with low flow rates, thick ice, or dry channels during winter. Ice bridges might not be appropriate on large water bodies or areas prone to high spring flows.

Place winter roads on level terrain where practical.

Based on the conditions of your DEQ permit, you may have to remove any culverts and bridges placed in the stream or other drainage way before spring thaw.

Road Closure and Retirement

To protect soil and water resources, access roads should be closed to vehicular traffic, unless the forest landowner has other management objectives. This can be done on a seasonal or semi-permanent basis. The reduction of traffic and associated maintenance work will mean a significant reduction in cost, as well as reduction in the source of erosion and sedimentation impacts on the water resource. When several years between major treatment activities are anticipated, roads should be retired and closed. This involves using temporary soil stabilization materials and revegetating the road (see Appendix E for information regarding the proper methods to stabilize and revegetate roads and other areas having bare soil). For roads no longer used for forest operations or access and resulted in disturbing one or more acres of soil or were built within 500 feet of a water body, Part 91 requirements mandate that the road be revegetated, regardless of slope or erosive potential. For those portions having a grade greater than 10 percent, periodic inspection is necessary to insure erosion is not occurring. The following actions are recommended to retire a section of road:

Smooth and shape all road and landing surfaces to aid in draining water of the surface of the road or landing.

If cross drainage culverts are removed, replace them with water bars (see Figures 6 or 7). If culverts are covered by more than 2 feet of fill and inlets and outlets are effectively stabilized, leave them in place if it less costly than removing them. However, cross drainage culverts left in place will require an established and committed inspection and maintenance schedule to prevent culvert blockage.

Remove all temporary stream crossings as required by law.

Use native seed mixtures wherever possible (refer to Appendix E for specific directions) for erosion control and revegetating retired roads and landings.

Whenever temporary soil stabilization methods are required to protect recently applied grass seed, install silt fence (see Figure 5) as required.

24 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

The use of brush, slash or wood chips mulch over grass seed may be used as long as it ensure that the site is permanently revegetated.

Block the entrance of the closed road using metal structures, large boulders or large tree stumps.

Figure 5. Proper Installation of a Silt Fence.

7. WATER DIVERSION DEVICES Earth Berm Water Bars Earth-berm water bars are narrow, earthen ridges built across roads or trails. They divert water off and away from roads or trails into vegetated areas before it causes erosion. When properly built, they prevent exposed soil from moving, protecting the area until grass vegetation is firmly established. Earth berm water bars are recommended when forest management operations have ceased and the road is closed to further traffic. • Earth Berm Water Bar Installation Guidelines.

Where multiple water bars are required, properly space water bars according to Table 3.

As shown in Figure 6, the water bar should be placed at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees, relative to the road, to allow for runoff to drain from the inlet, through the trench, and into the adjacent forest floor or vegetation.

Dig a trench, 12 to 18 inches below the surface of the road or trail and extend it beyond both sides of the road or trail to prevent runoff from bypassing the water bar.

The uphill end of the water bar should extend beyond the side ditch of the road and into an earthern berm to fully intercept any ditch flows.

The outflow end of the water bar is to be fully open and extended far enough beyond the edge of the road or trail to safely disperse runoff water onto the undisturbed forest floor.

25 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

After construction, seed and mulch the entire surface of the water bar to prevent erosion.

Figure 6. Earth Berm Water Bar Construction.

(Re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

Table 3. Water Bar Spacing Intervals.

Road Grade (percent)

Spacing (feet)

2 250 5 135

10 80 15 60 20 45 30 35

Conveyor Belt Water Bars

On active roads or trails, conveyor belts, old snowmobile treads, and similar material (see Figure 7) can be used instead of soil to build water bars. The material is buried on edge in the traffic surface. It bends over to let wheeled vehicles easily pass, but diverts water off of the road. These structures work best on forest roads used by automobile traffic or trails designated for use by off-road vehicles, such as motorcycles and quadrunners.

They are not a good option on active skid trails where the butt of a log or log is skidded on the ground and passes over the conveyer belt portion of the water bar. Moving tracked equipment over these devices is also harmful to the integrity of the belt portion of the water bar. In both cases, these actions break down the belt material and destroy the ability of this type of water bar to divert water off the road or trail.

26 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

When Building Conveyor Belt Water Bars Follow These Instructions:

• Dig a trench at a 30- to 45-degree angle to the road or skid trail. The face of the cut should be on the uphill side.

• Place the conveyor belt against the face of the cut. Leave at least 6 inches of belt above the surface of the road. Refill the trench and compact the soil. If necessary, nail a two-by-eight board to the base of the belt to keep it straight and to hold it in the ground.

• Remove berms or other obstructions from the lower end of the water bar to allow water to move off the road. Water should flow into a stable vegetated area, away from open water.

• Space conveyor belt water bars as you would earthen water bars (see Table 3). • Old snowmobile treads and other similar material can be used in place of conveyor belts.

Figure 7. A Conveyor Belt Water Bar.

(Reprinted courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service)

Temporary Water Bars Made from Slash or Logs

Logs or logging debris (slash) consisting of branches, broken tops, and brush can be used to create temporary water bars (See Figure 8). Operators build logging debris water bars across traffic surfaces to divert water into vegetated areas. This reduces erosion and helps maintain the road. Water bars made from logging debris are not as effective as those previously discussed, since water can filter through. Still, they can be used in many applications. They work best in low traffic areas with low slopes (e.g., slopes are less than 5 percent).

Log and slash water bars are best placed where use of more substantial water diversion options is limited; For example, on roads and trails with limited traffic or little slope, or when forest operations are shut down for a short time. They also can be used when the soil is frozen or when shallow, rocky soils, such as those found in parts of the Western Upper Peninsula make it difficult to install earth berm or conveyor belt water bars.

27 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Figure 8. Illustration of a Water Bar Made of Slash. (Reprinted courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service)

The Following are Instructions for Installing a Slash Water Bar:

• Place the log or slash at a 30- to 45-degree angle to the road or skid trail. For slash, build a mat at least 3 feet wide.

• Make sure water bars are high enough to prevent water from running over them. • Pack slash down using a truck, dozer, or other heavy vehicle. Keep slash in continuous

contact with the soil across the road. Fill gaps with soil or more slash. Water should not be able to run through the slash.

• Bind logs together or stake them down to help hold them in place when traffic passes over them.

• Remove berms or other obstructions from the lower end of the water bar to allow water to move off the road. Water should flow into a stable vegetated area, away from open water.

• Space log and slash water bars at least as close as you would earthen water bars. Broad-Based Dips A broad-based dip is a surface drainage structure specifically designed to drain water from a permanent use road, while allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds (see Figure 9). It provides cross drainage on haul roads to prevent buildup of excessive surface runoff and subsequent erosion. Broad- based dips can be used on roads and heavily used skid trails having a gradient of 12% or less. Broad-based dips are not used for cross draining spring seeps, intermittent, or permanent streams. This practice may be substituted for other surface water cross drain practices such as pipe or box culverts. A key factor to remember when installing a dip is that the roadbed now consists of two planes rather than one unbroken plane. One plane is the 15 foot to 20 foot reverse grade toward the uphill grade and outlet. The second plane is the long grade from the top of a hump or start of a down grade and ends at the outlet of the dip. Neither the dip nor the hump should have a sharp angular break, but should be rounded, allowing a smooth flow of traffic. Only the dip itself should be out sloped since the dip provides sufficient break in grade to turn the water.

28 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Figure 9. Broad-based Dip.

(Figure courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

• Specifications for Broad-Based Dip Installation:

Installation takes place following basic roadbed construction.

A 20 foot long, 3% reverse grade is constructed into the existing roadbed by cutting from upgrade of the dip location and using cut material to build up the mound for the reverse grade.

Space broad-based dips as shown in Table 4.

As shown in Figure 9, depending the soils and amount of and type of traffic, the dip and reverse grade section will often require applying a layer of approximately 20 tons of 3-inch crushed stone to avoid rutting or breaking down of the dips and reverse grade section. Another option is to apply geotextile fabric along the length of the dip and reverse grade sections, and apply coarse aggregate or gravel at a minimum depth of 3 inches (6 inches depth is optimal).

29 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Table 4. Spacing for Broad-Based Dips. Road Grade (%) Spacing

2 300 3 235 4 200 5 180 6 165 7 155 8 150 9 145

10 140 12 100

Diversion Ditches A diversion ditch (see Figure 10), sometimes called a "water turnout", serves to divert water away from the roadway and the side ditches. Its key use is where haul roads cross streams. Installing the appropriate number and spacing of diversion ditches ensures that water flowing off the road surface and into the side ditches will be diverted into vegetation and not allow sediment deposition into the stream. When a road must be placed where there is little or no slope, a diversion ditch into a collecting basin may be the only way to move water away from the base of the road bed. • Specifications for Diversion Ditches:

The diversion ditch must intersect the side ditch line at the same depth and be sloped 1 to 3 degrees.

Diversion ditches should not be located in a wetland without a DEQ permit.

On sloping roads, the diversion ditch should be placed on the down slope of the road.

Runoff water is to be spread, retained, or filtered at the outlet of the ditch.

A diversion ditch should be cleaned periodically to prevent sediment buildup that may clog the ditch and thereby direct sediment into the stream.

Space diversion ditches according to the table used for Broad-Based Dips.

As shown in Figure 8, construct an earth berm that follows the entire length of the diversion ditch to insure runoff stays away from the stream. Also apply seed and mulch to the berm so that it does not become a source of sediment.

30 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Figure 10. Diversion Ditch.

(Re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) Cross Drainage Culverts The primary purpose of cross drainage culverts is to drain water from a ditch on one side of a road to the other side of the road and into grassy vegetation or energy dissipaters. • BMP Specifications for Installing a Cross Drainage Culvert (see Figure 11):

Culvert length should be long enough so both ends extend 1 foot beyond side slope (this is in contrast to culverts used for stream crossings which require that the culvert ends extend a minimum of 2 feet beyond the side slope).

Culverts should be installed with a 2% slope to reduce the possibility of clogging with leaf litter or other debris.

Align the culvert by placing it on a downgrade angle in which the diameter of the culvert is equal to cross sectional area of the side ditch.

Install erosion control materials for both the inflows and outflows of culverts to minimize undercutting at the culvert inlet or erosion occurring down slope of the outlet; this protection can be in the form of geotextile fabric overlain by rock large enough not to wash away or move during a significant rain event (ranging from 3-12 inches in diameter).

Select the size of culvert according to the size of the road and the general amount of surface area that is being drained by the ditch. The cross-drainage diameter of a culvert should be a minimum of 18 inches.

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Figure 11. Cross-Drainage Culvert.

(Re-printed courtesy of Wisconsin DNR)

8. STREAM CROSSINGS As described in “Section 2 Laws and Permits”, installing a new or upgrading an existing stream crossing requires a permit from DEQ prior to installation. This is through the DEQ/US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) joint permit application process. It is best to work with local DEQ staff when developing plans for stream crossings from the outset. This will result in less time and effort for the landowner or their designated agent during the permit application and review process. Information regarding this application is available at www.michigan.gov/jointpermit. Permit requirements apply to intermittent streams (flows only occur during certain times of the year, particularly spring during snowmelt), as well as permanently flowing streams. A stream, permanent or intermittent, is an area with a defined streambed and bank and visible evidence of a continued flow or continued occurrence of water. While dry for much of the year, intermittent streams are important during frequent rains in the spring. Because of these frequent rain events, intermittent streams provide essential habitat for trout and other fish during spawning runs. Therefore, protect them as carefully as you would a permanent flowing stream. It is against DEQ regulations to transport felled logs or heavy machinery through even the smallest, shallowest dry streambed. Instead, there are two placement techniques for stream

32 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

crossings that work best, depending on the circumstances -- a pipe culvert installation, or a portable bridge. Portable Bridges Portable bridges, often referred to as temporary bridges, are the preferred method when a stream crossing is required to skid or transport timber products and the stream crossing will be temporary in nature (defined by DEQ as a permitted crossing in place less than 2 years). These bridges can be constructed out of laminated, pressure treated wood (see Figure 12) or can be prefabricated folding metal structures (see Figure 13). These bridges are generally designed to support skidders and forwarders, but may also be constructed sturdy enough to support tandem axle haul trucks as they transport wood products from the landing to the mill. Studies conducted by the Forest Service and University of Auburn on the Talledega National Forest showed that installing a portable bridge resulted in 98% less sediment entering the stream compared to installing a culvert. The key advantages over culverts are:

• Minimize stream siltation. • Meet or exceed most BMP guidelines. • Keep wood and other debris out of waterways. • Reusable. • Minimize erosion. • Keep streams clear of debris after installation • Provide unimpeded fish passage • No impacts on the stream bottom

Figure 12. Example of a Wooden Portable Bridge.

(Re-printed courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.)

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Figure 13. Example of a Portable Folding Metal Bridge.

Crossing Streams Using Culverts Culverts are another option for crossing streams. However, use of culverts instead of portable bridges increases the amount of sediment deposition during installation and removal, as well as increasing the likelihood of impeding fish passage. They are made from corrugated metal pipe or other suitable material (e.g. hard plastic) and placed under a haul road or major skid road to transmit flows from permanent streams and small intermittent streams. Culvert installation and placement requires that the persons responsible for installation and removal take extra care and attention to reduce sediment deposition to the stream as much as possible. It is important to work with local DEQ staff on how to meet permit requirements and install a culvert to minimize sedimentation during installation and removal. Culvert Installation and Placement When installation of a portable bridge is not an option, the culvert can be installed using the following BMP specifications:

Install culverts so that there is no change in the stream bottom elevation. This will allow for unimpeded fish migration (see Figure 14).

Place barriers or rock from the upstream culvert end to the stream banks to direct flow into the culvert.

Place barriers or rock at the downstream culvert end to the stream banks.

Firmly compact fill materials around culverts, particularly around the bottom half. Fill material should be a minimum of 1 foot over the pipe, or at a depth specified by the culvert manufacturer (see Figure 15).

Use riprap around the inlet and outlet of the culvert, as well as geotextile underneath the riprap to prevent stream flows from eroding and undercutting the culvert (see Figure 16).

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Pipe length should be long enough so both ends extend 2 feet beyond side slope (cross drainage culverts require only 1 foot beyond side slope).

The pipe diameter is matched to expected high water flows.

Figure 14. Culvert Installation Without Change in Stream Bottom Elevation.

(Reprinted courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

Figure 15. Illustrations and Instructions for Installation of a Stream Crossing Culvert.

(Reprinted courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

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Figure 16. Illustration of Proper Use of Riprap & Geotextile Around Inlet of Stream Crossing

Culverts. (Re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

The MESBOA Method for Installing Stream Crossing Culverts The MESBOA method, first developed in Minnesota, as a joint effort between the Forest Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop a method that properly sizes, orients and installs culverts based primarily on the stream's physical characteristics. The “MESBOA” is an acronym comprised of the first letter of each of the six steps. The DEQ considers this method as the best approach to ensure unimpeded fish passage, minimizing the risk of a culvert being washed out during a significant storm event. • The Six Steps in the Sizing and Placement of Culverts The following are general instructions to apply when using the MESBOA method to determine the appropriate size, length, width and number of culverts needed for a giving stream crossing:

1. Match culvert width to bankfull stream width (see Figure 17). 2. Extend culvert length through the side slope toe of the road. 3. Set culvert slope the same as stream slope (failure to set culverts on the same

slope as the stream is the primary reason that many culverts impede fish passage).

4. Bury the culvert 4 to 12 inches into the stream bottom. For culverts 2 to 6 feet in diameter, dig 10 to 18 inches below the stream bottom.

5. Offset multiple culverts. 6. Align the culvert with the stream channel.

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Figure 17. Measuring Bankfull Width.

• Guidelines Regarding The Application of The Mesboa Method Based on

Stream Channel Width And Culvert Diameter The following are guidelines to aid forest managers or loggers as what measurements are needed based on bankfull width of the channel being crossed, stream depth, and the slope of the stream bottom. As the size of both the culvert and channel width increase, so too does the likelihood of having to obtain the services of a professional surveyor and civil engineer to insure the culvert is properly sized and installed.

The following is guidance of what efforts or resources may be required based on culvert diameter and channel width using the MESBOA approach:

• Culverts are 2 to 3 feet in diameter and channel is 2 to 6 feet wide.

Need only bankfull width and reasonable estimate of stream bottom slope and burying depth.

• Culverts are 3 to 6 feet in diameter and channel is up to 12 feet in width. Need bankfull width, and accurate longitudinal profile of the stream to have exact

slope of the stream and culvert elevation at both the inlet and outlet. Will require the use of level survey equipment.

• Culverts are greater than 6 feet in diameter or wide arch design and channel is greater than 12 feet in width. Need bankfull width, longitudinal profile, 1-3 cross sections and use computerized

culvert design programs to confirm that all measurements accurately dictate culvert design and installation parameters. Generally applied when stream crossing design requires the involvement of a registered professional civil engineer.

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9. RUTTING Rutting occurs when soil strength is not sufficient to support the applied load from vehicle traffic (see Figure 18). Rutting affects aesthetics, biology, hydrology, site productivity and vehicle safety. In general, rutting can cause soil compaction and loss of forest productivity. Where channelized flow to an open water body occurs, rutting can result in contributing sediment into an open water body. While not always a water quality issue, excessive rutting is certainly a sign that ongoing forest operations need to be modified to prevent further damage to soil and forest resources.

Figure 18. Forest Road Rutting Damage

Table 5 (below) provides guidelines as to excessive rutting in different areas of a harvest operation, immediate actions to be taken and restoration requirements. The rutting guidelines should be applied in relation to the specific area being harvested. Consideration should be given to soils, hydrology, forest type, slope, and other site factors. For example, on certain sites, it may be necessary to change or halt operations before the guidelines are exceeded. Conversely, deep ruts may not be a problem in a landing which will be smoothed and revegetated after a harvest. Anytime rutting causes sedimentation in a stream, lake or open water wetland, the activity causing the rutting must stop and immediate actions taken to prevent further sediment deposition. Rutting in roads or landings that does not cause sedimentation should be monitored. If ruts begin to exceed the guidelines, measures should be taken to prevent further rutting. If further rutting cannot be prevented, the operations should cease until conditions change or until the rutting can be repaired. Off road rutting in the woods may occur on skid trails. Heavily used trails, also called main skid trails, may have more rutting than “one time only’” trails or secondary trails. Consideration should be given to the overall impact of the skid trails across the landscape. It would be difficult to define guidelines related to the total length and depth of skid trails across a forested stand, but in general the amount of skid trails should be minimized. Major skid trails will have more rutting than secondary skid trails. If secondary skid trails begin to resemble major skid trails, then rutting may be too severe, even though the rutting guidelines have been followed. Excessive rutting may occur even though any individual length of skid trail is within the guidelines. Professional judgment should be used to identify excessive rutting across a forested stand. Surface water runoff from rain events can also lead to ruts in a logging road. The ruts collect runoff and increase the potential for ruts to deepen and further road erosion. Roads having slopes greater than 5% are especially vulnerable to the creation and deepening of ruts from rain events. Installing the proper water diversion devices, such as diversion ditches or broad-based dips at the appropriate intervals will periodically interrupt and divert stormwater runoff and decrease the volume and velocity of storm water runoff as it moves down slope. This reduces

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the potential for rutting. Proper grading, crowning of roads and shaping of roads per soil and slope conditions (see figure 4) can also reduce the potential for rutting. Heavily sloped roads (those with slopes greater than 10%) can become rutted very easily, so the driver/operator must use extra care when driving these roads with heavy loads or under wet conditions.

Table 5. Rutting Guidelines

Location

Soil disturbance is excessive if:

Immediate Action

Restoration

Anywhere A gully or rut of any depth channelizing flow to an open water body, (i.e. stream, lake or open water wetland).

• Stop operations. Assess the situation. Prevent further movement of sediment by: o installing rock check dams

(use rock ranging from 3 -12 inches in diameter) or water bars at appropriate intervals or

o using other methods that will prevent the movement of sediment into a water body.

Repair gullies and ruts. Disc and plow, where necessary. Seed and mulch per recommended procedures (see Appendix E) . Check dams and water bars should be left in place until grassy vegetation is firmly established.

Roads • In a riparian management zone (RMZ) or wetland, a gully or rut is 6 inches deep and 25 feet long.

• In an upland area

(outside of RMZ), a gully or rut is 12 inches deep and 50 feet long.

Stop operations where rutting is occurring. Assess the situation . Only operate equipment in those areas not vulnerable to rutting. Consider installing water bars made from old conveyor belts or other rubberized material. In RMZ’s, fill in rutted areas, apply geotextile fabric over rutted and susceptible areas, then apply gravel or crushed rock over the fabric at a depth no less than 3 inches (6 inches is optimal).

Where water quality will not be affected, remediation may not be necessary. Review site conditions and determine if site remediation would cause more damage to soil resources and site productivity than leaving ruts as they are. If a rutted road must be used to move forest products: 1) fill in ruts as conditions allow, 2) apply geotextile fabric over the length of the rutted portions and 3) apply gravel or crushed rock at a depth no less than 3 inches (6 inches is optimal). Consider vehicle safety as an issue from ruts in a forest road. This may require frequent grading. Smooth, seed and mulch as appropriate after timber harvest is completed (Refer to Appendix E for instructions).

Landings (Should not be located in an RMZ.)

Soil moves from the landing area.

Install silt fence at edges of landing to prevent movement of sediment off site.

When landing is no longer needed, smooth, seed and mulch as appropriate (Refer to Appendix E for instructions) Silt fence should be left in place until grassy vegetation is firmly established.

Skid trails and harvest areas

Gully or rut is 12 inches deep and 50 feet long.

Assess the situation. • Move operations to another area of the stand. • Stop operations until conditions improve. Use slash, tire mats, or PVC pipe linked together with chain or cable and lay over areas susceptible to rutting or use other suitable methods to prevent further rutting. Use slash or logs to prevent movement of sediment off site.

No restoration is recommended if such action causes more damage to site (e.g. disking and plowing may result in unacceptable damage to the root systems of the trees affected by the rutting).

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10. LANDINGS The following BMPs apply to the site location and water management with respect to log landings:

Always locate landings outside the RMZ.

Use previously developed landings, unless they are located in RMZs or drain poorly.

Locate sites for log landings in advance of road construction. These sites should be located in areas that will help minimize skid trail and haul road distances.

Where possible, log landings should be constructed on well-drained, gently sloping sites of no more than 5%. On areas greater than 5%, additional erosion control measures may be necessary.

Locate residue piles (particularly aspen, whose runoff is a suspected toxin to fish) away from drainages where runoff may wash residue into streams, lakes or other open water body.

Haul roads that terminate at the landing area should be properly drained prior to intersecting the log landing.

A diversion ditch around the uphill side of landings can intercept the flow of water and direct it away from the landing.

11. SKIDDING A skid trail is a single lane trail used for the skidding or transporting of timber products from the stump to a landing. After the location of log landings are established and road lay-out is complete, the skid trail network is then laid out. The major considerations for skid trail placement are to minimize damage to residual trees, minimize erosion, sedimentation, and rutting. For some forest conditions, such as very steep slopes (over 40%), unstable soil conditions (reference Table 2), and critical riparian areas (e.g. areas with vernal ponds, unique natural communities, such as dune and swale complexes), use timber harvesting techniques and equipment that minimize skidding throughout the stand (e.g. cable skidding, harvesters with knuckle boom cranes and bogey tracks - see Figure 19).

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Figure 19. Wheeled Harvester/Processor with Bogey Tracks.

The Following are Considerations for the Location and Use of Skid Trails:

Gradients of skid trails should not be steeper than 40% (EPA 2005). The goal is to have

the average skid trail slopes be no more than 15%.

Minimize skidding in the RMZ, as much as possible.

When skidding in areas with steep topography, follow the contour of the slope. This reduces soil erosion and encourages revegetation. If skidding has to be done parallel to the slope, skid uphill, taking care to break the grade periodically.

Avoid skid trail layouts that concentrate runoff into ephemeral draws or watercourses, and avoid skidding up or down ephemeral draws (See Figure 20), as this will result in accelerated soil erosion and sediment movement, as ephemeral draws act to channelize water flows.

If using a wheeled skidder without high floatation tires, winch logs out of the RMZ or directionally fell trees so tops extend out of the RMZ and trees can be skidded without operating the skidder in the RMZ.

Suspend skidding during wet periods such as spring breakup.

Any skid trail necessitating the crossing of a stream will require permits from DEQ and a bridge or a culvert designed to standards acceptable by DEQ prior to DEQ issuing permits for such an activity. Logs cannot be skidded through an identifiable stream channel.

41 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

Approaches to a water crossing should be as near to right angles (90 degrees) to the stream direction as possible.

Climb up slope on a slant or zigzag pattern breaking the grade and avoiding long steep grades on the trail. This will reduce the potential for making gullies.

Look for alternative skidding using several different skid trails instead of only one primary trail, unless site conditions dictate that using fewer rather than more skid trails will result in less soil disturbance.

Skidding operations should avoid gullies, seeps, vernal ponds and other permanently wet areas.

Upon completion of skidding operations, install water bars, particularly on skid trails on sloping and variable topography. If natural vegetation does not quickly establish on these trails, apply grass seed and cover with mulch.

Figure 20. Example of Ephemeral Draw.

12. WETLAND BMPS AND FOREST ROADS A wetland is characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation, or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh. As mentioned above in the section on applicable regulations, the following activities are prohibited in wetlands, to protect water quality, unless a Part 303 permit has been obtained from the DEQ: • Deposit or permit the placing of fill material in a wetland. • Dredge, remove, or permit the removal of soil or minerals from a wetland. • Construct, operate, or maintain any use or development from a wetland. • Drain surface water from a wetland. Regulated wetlands are defined in Part 303 and associated administrative rules.

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Forest Road Construction in Forested Wetlands Per Part 303, Wetlands Protection, PA 451, of 1994, as amended, the activity of constructing forest roads as part of carrying out silvicultural activities in a wetland environment is exempt from obtaining a Part 303 permit, so long as adverse effects on the wetland are minimized and best management practices as listed below are implemented. These guidelines are for forestry purposes only. If roads are constructed in or through a forested wetland environment for non-forestry purposes, then a wetlands permit may be required. The following are general road construction BMPs, that if applied, will minimize adverse effects on the wetland in question and allow the landowner, forester or logger to be exempt from obtaining a wetlands permit:

If the crossing can be accomplished at a time when the wetland is relatively dry, construction mats or other temporary crossing methods should be employed. Following the operation, the wetland should be returned to its original condition.

Conduct timbering operations during winter when the wetland is often frozen and passable and will not require the use of fill or other methods that may permanently damage the wetland.

If there is an existing roadway through a wetland, that roadway should be utilized, unless upgrading to minimal standards will cause more wetland damage than selecting an alternative route.

Wetland crossings should be held to the minimum feasible number, width, and total length consistent with the needs only of the forestry operations.

Wetland crossings should be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that keeps vegetative disturbance in the wetland to a minimum and prevents the disruption of migration or other movement of fish or wildlife within the wetland or contiguous water.

Where fill is necessary, it should be taken from uplands and should consist of clean material. Upon placement, it should be stabilized and maintained to prevent erosion into waters or wetlands during and following construction.

Wetland crossings should include placement of culverts and other structures necessary to insure adequate passage of flow under and through the road without causing excess drainage to upstream or downstream wetland areas. Drainage should be designed to maintain pre-existing hydrology on either side of the road.

Wetland crossings may not be located in proximity to public water supply intakes or otherwise constructed at a location or in a manner where they would pose a threat to health, safety or welfare, or otherwise be in violation of federal, state or local laws.

BMP Specifications for Forest Road Construction on Organic Wetland Soils In the federal, multi-agency (U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency) publication, “Forested Wetlands: Functions, Use and Best Management Practices”, (Forest Service publication number NA-PR-01-95), it recommends different road construction techniques and BMPs, depending on the nature of the wetland soils in which forest management activity is scheduled to occur. One key

43 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

component is that roads built on organic wetlands should provide for cross drainage of water on the surface and in the top 12 inches of the soil. Construction techniques vary, depending on the type of soil involved (mineral versus organic), and where organic soils are involved, the depth of the organic layer. The following practices, which differ based on soil type and thickness, are recommended for wetland road construction:

For road construction on soils with organic layers close to 16 inches in thickness, these are the recommended practices: • Place 24 inch diameter culverts with their bottom half in the upper 12 inches of the

soil to handle subsurface flows and the top 12 inches to handle above ground flows every 300 feet or so (see Figure 21).

For road construction on soils with organic layers in excess of 4 feet in thickness,

these are the recommended practices: • The road should be constructed across the top of the soil surface by placing fill

material on top of geotextile fabric, while allowing for cross drainage via the use of a 12 inch think layer of porous material such as large stone into the roadbed (see Figure 22). This material should be separated from the adjacent fill layers by geotextile fabric, and be incorporated into the road fill design so as to lie in the top 12 inches of the soil to provide continuous cross drainage.

• Where such porous layers are not used, place culverts at points where they will receive the greatest support from the soil below.

• Construct ditches parallel to the roadbed on both sides to collect surface and subsurface water, so as to carry said water through a given culvert. Note that these ditches should be located 3 times the depth of the organic layers from the edge of the road fill.

Figure 21. Proper Culvert Installation and Use on a Wetland Road.


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Figure 22. Porous Road Design Using Large Stone.


For road construction on soils with organic layers between 16 inches and 4 feet in thickness, these are the recommended practices: • Place fill directly on the peat surface and allow the fill to compress or displace the

peat until equilibrium is reached. In this technique, culverts are used instead of porous layers to move flows through road fill material.

• Place all culverts at the lowest elevation on the road centerline with additional culverts installed as needed to provide adequate cross drainage.

• Construct all ditches parallel to the road centerline and along the toe of the fill to collect surface and subsurface water flows, carrying said flows through the culvert(s), redistributing the flows to the other side of the road.

Specifications for Roads Constructed on Mineral Soils or a Thin Organic Layer When roads are being constructed on mineral soils or on those soils with surface organic layers less than 16 inches in thickness, the following are the recommended practices:

Roads through mineral soil wetlands can be constructed using normal road construction techniques. Apply geotextile fabric first before adding fill to increase bearing strength of the road and to preserve the bearing strength of fill material so as to prevent mixture with fine soil particles.

In mineral soil wetlands, a culvert should be placed at the lowest elevation on the road centerline with additional culverts as needed to provide adequate cross drainage (see Figure 21 and 23).

Shallow ditches parallel to the road centerline should be constructed along the toe of the fill to collect surface and subsurface water flows, carrying flows through the culvert(s) to the other side of the road and into a vegetated area (see Figure 23). Any ditches must be of depth and width only to allow cross drainage and support the stability of the road. Deeper or excessive ditching will require a permit from the DEQ.

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Figure 23. Illustration of Use and Placement of Culverts and Ditches for Wetland Roads.

itches for (Re-printed courtesy of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.)

13. FOREST ROADS - CONTROLLING SEDIMENT MOVEMENT AND

TRANSPORT DURING RAIN EVENTS During rain events, excessive water flows can erode a forest road causing sediment to be eventually transported into a stream or other water body. Described below are various devices that can help mitigate erosion and sediment movement. These devices work by interrupting the flow of water and sediment, causing the sediment to be deposited, trapped or filtered out before reaching an open water body. Establishing a maintenance schedule following rain events is key to the proper functioning of these devices. Described below are examples of such control devices:

Erosion Barriers – Pre-seeded erosion control products at the toe slope of a road and at the outlets of culverts, diversion ditches, water bars, or broad-based dips, or the use of rock or large stone (an average diameter of 6 inches) placed on the toe of road and outlet of the diversion structures should be the first choices. While cheap and handy, laying down slash is not very good in reducing the velocity and erosive impacts of concentrated flows during significant rainfall events.

Silt Fence – A geotextile fabric, when installed properly, has the capability of retaining most suspended materials, (e.g. sediment) and releasing the filtered runoff through the fabric. Do not use in permanent flowing streams or in any location with concentrated flows. See Figure 5 for an illustration of how to properly install silt fence. It is most commonly installed at or beyond the toe of a slope to trap sediment coming from overland sheet flows during a storm event. Silt fence must be installed along the same elevation contours across the slope to prevent runoff from flowing around the fence. For long slopes or large areas, silt fence should be installed parallel to each other in a series with an average spacing of 200 feet and drain no more than one-half acre per 100 feet of fence.

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Riprap – This term refers to rock installed at the outlet of diversion devices and drainage culverts to prevent erosion from occurring at the outlet. The rock must be of such a size (ranging from 3 to 12 inches in diameter) so that it will stay in place at the outlet during times of strong concentrated flows. Also, to insure concentrated flows have an adequate space to slow down and filter into the soil or vegetation, the length of the riprap should be at least 5 feet in length and 3 feet in width.

Check Dams - Check dams (see Figure 24), generally constructed of rock, may be necessary to reduce the velocity of flow in roadside ditches or in other concentrated flow areas. Check dams can reduce the potential for erosion and protect vegetation in the early stages of growth. The primary purpose of check dams is to reduce water flow to non-erosive velocities. Refer to Figure 25 for proper spacing of check dams. For rock based check dams, construct the check dam using rock having a range of sizes from 3 to 12 inches in diameter (average of 6 inches). The key is that the rock stays in place to withstand strong concentrated runoff flows.

Figure 24. Cross Sectional Views of a Check Dam.

Figure 25. Check Dam Spacing.

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14. SITE PREPARATION, REFORESTATION AND FOREST

PROTECTION The long-term management of forest land may include a commitment to a sustainable forested landscape. It is necessary for management plans that include timber harvesting to also include consideration of site preparation work and regeneration efforts. Site preparation includes mechanical means, prescribed burning, and chemical treatments. Reforestation can occur naturally or be induced by mechanical means of seeding and planting. For all forested land when timber products are harvested, the landowner should give consideration to the regeneration of stands by either natural or induced means. Site preparation refers to methods for the establishment of desired tree species, controlling undesirable competing vegetation, reducing organic debris and logging residue and reducing wildfire risks. Special attention should be given to avoid any unnecessary surface disturbances, especially in areas of steep slopes or in areas subject to periodic flooding, such as spring break up flooding. Mechanical Preparations The following are recommended specifications for various mechanical means:

General Considerations: • Use mechanical site preparations techniques which cause the least disturbance to

the site and still achieve the owner's objective. • Recognize adequate RMZs. • To minimize erosive impacts, mechanical treatment should be oriented along the

contours of the site. • Evaluate site for saturated soil conditions. Avoid operations during periods of

saturated soil conditions that may cause rutting or accelerated soil erosion.

Shearing and Raking: • Avoid dumping or concentrating residues from shearing and raking operations in

flood plains or wetland areas. These residues should be deposited in stable areas so they do not interfere with drainage or cause erosion.

• Locate windrows and piles to minimize interference with natural drainage patterns. • Locate windrows outside the RMZs. • Give preference to locating windrows along contours to mitigate the effects of

overland flow. • Minimize incorporation of soil material into windrows and piles. Two examples of

preferred practices are: a) shearing and raking under frozen soil conditions, and b) light raking which would only remove slash.

• Avoid shearing and raking operations on organic soils, except under frozen soil conditions.

Disking (and other scarification treatments, such as chain drags and land breakers): • Limit to slopes of less than 10%, for all highly erodible soils. • Follow the land contours with proper consideration given to equipment operator

safety. • Advantageous because it reduces soil compaction and incorporates organic matter.

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Patch and Row Scarification: • Use patch or row scarification as the preferred mechanical site preparation method.

for artificial regeneration where terrain or soil type necessitate minimum soil disturbance.

• Follow the contours of the land to maintain operator safety.

Drum Chopping: • Limits soil exposure as residual trees and debris are knocked down. • Maximum benefit comes from drum chopping up and down the slope so that blade

depressions are on the contour, reducing the occurrence of channeled surface flow. Prescribed Burning Using fire under controlled conditions can have benefits including: reduction of slash, reduction or elimination of the encroachment of undesired and competing vegetation, as well as creation of a seed bed or surface condition for natural or artificial regeneration of desired tree species. To achieve desired conditions and protect water quality, prescribed use of fire must be carefully planned and executed under strict weather and fuel conditions.

After the prescribed burn is complete and a significant rain event has occurred, inspect the fire lines on hilly or steep terrain where a stream or small body of water is close by to determine if these fire lines are eroding away and sediment is being transported down to a stream or water body. If this is occurring, install earth berm water bars (probably only requiring a shovel) and during inspection, determine if any other areas of bare mineral soil (a result of the burn) are eroding into a water body. Inspect the site and determine if the bare areas will re-vegetate quickly from the surrounding area or if the soil will require the application of grass seed that establishes quickly and require the application of mulch (see Appendix E).

If the prescribed burn is adjacent to an intermittent or perennial water body, the staff in charge should establish an RMZ, if it has not been done so already. The use of fire retardant foam at the boundary of the RMZ is permitted. Note that fire retardant foam is not toxic to aquatic life.

Chemical Treatment Use of chemicals to control vegetation (herbicide), insects (insecticide), small animals (rodenticide), and molds and fungus (fungicides) can be an efficient and effective means of site preparation. Herbicides have advantages over mechanical means because there is no soil disturbance and can be used where steep slope prevents use of machinery. Herbicides can also be used in an existing stand for pre-harvest treatment. Rodenticide and fungicides can be applied to seeds or seedlings before or during planting to increase planting effectiveness, i.e., survival. However, water quality impacts must be a consideration in all use of chemicals to prevent their reaching ground water and surface water bodies. Potential water quality impact varies widely from one chemical to another and depends primarily on the: a) chemical's mobility, b) chemical’s persistence, c) accuracy of the chemical’s placement, and d) orientation of site to streams. Water quality can be protected by knowledge of the chemical being used and adherence to the manufacturer's specification and directions. The label contains information regarding the safety of the applicator, species for which the chemical is registered, the pesticide rate or concentration, appropriate weather conditions for application, environmental impact and proper container disposal. Material Safety Data Sheets provide toxicological data and are available from a chemical's manufacturer.

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Reforestation All of the above-described means of site preparations are designed to meet the objective of maintaining a healthy and vigorous forest which aids in maintaining water quality of adjacent water bodies. Regeneration of desired tree species and associated plant communities occurs through natural process and by seeding and tree planting.

Use of Pesticides Use of chemicals to control forest pests and to eliminate vegetative competition with desired tree species may be the most effective and efficient means of accomplishing those management functions. The forest manager must be aware of the risk of water contamination and apply the following considerations:

The basic federal law regulating pesticides and their use is the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Michigan Pesticide Control Act further regulates use, handling and application of pesticides. Additional laws pertaining to pesticide uses, transport and application exist.

All pesticides are classified for "general" or "restricted" use. Restricted pesticides may be used only under supervision of certified applicators. Pesticide users need to be familiar with the laws and regulations pertaining to certification and proper use of pesticides.

Follow directions and heed all precautions on the label. Store pesticides in original containers in secured areas, out of reach of children and animals, and away from food and feed.

Apply pesticides so that they do not endanger humans, livestock, crops, beneficial insects, fish, and wildlife. Do not apply pesticides when there is danger of drift, when honey bees or other pollinating insects are visiting plants, or in ways that may contaminate water or leave illegal residues.

Avoid prolonged inhalation of pesticide sprays or dusts; wear protective clothing and equipment, as specified on the container/label.

Do not clean spray equipment or dump excess spray material near ponds, streams, or wells. Because it is difficult to remove all traces of herbicides from equipment, do not use the same equipment for insecticides or fungicides that you use for herbicides.

The use of returnable pesticide containers is recommended. Otherwise, dispose of empty pesticide containers promptly, in a landfill licensed to accept toxic materials.

Special precautions should be taken around RMZs.

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Wildfire Damage Control and Reclamation When wildfire strikes, the primary purpose is to control and suppress the fire, as quickly as possible. However, forest fire suppression measures themselves can add to the problem of water quality protection. The loss of vegetative cover, destruction of soil holding features such as roots, the creation of a carbon layer in place of the organic top layer of soil, and the exposure of bare mineral soil, are combinations that make the burned area highly erodible. The effects of suppression efforts and equipment operations necessary to control and stop the fire can magnify the erosion problem. The following are specifications for reclamation of burned areas.

Bare mineral soil should be actively re-vegetated if the soil is eroding into a nearby stream or other water body.

First priority for re-vegetation is all areas of bare soil adjacent to banks of surface water bodies so that the RMZ function is re-established. Until site stabilization occurs, the use of silt fences or erosion mats or blankets may be necessary.

Fire lines should be stabilized and re-vegetated if soil is being transported to a nearby stream or other open water body. Other areas altered by suppression equipment operations should be repaired and re-vegetated as necessary. Where fire lines cause surface water to channelize and flow directly toward or into a water body, water bars should be placed in the fire line, at the spacing indicated in Table 3.

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APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY Access Road: A temporary or permanent access route for vehicles into forest land. Alignment: The horizontal route or direction of an access road. It is made up of straight line tangent sections and curves. Angle of Repose: The maximum slope or angle at which a material such as soil or loose rock remains stable. Barriers: Obstructions to pedestrian, horse, or vehicular traffic. They are intended to restrict such traffic to a specific location. Basal Area: The area of the cross section of a tree trunk near its base, usually 4½ feet above the ground. Basal area is a way to measure how much of a site is occupied by trees. The term basal area is often used to describe the collective basal area of trees per acre. Berm: A low earth fill constructed in the path of flowing water to divert its direction., ilure. Best Management Practices (BMPs): This phrase and acronym are taking on new meanings and the context of its use must be assessed for its meaning. Traditionally, the term referred to a practice or combination of practices that were deemed the most effective, practicable (including technological, economical and institutional considerations) means of preventing or reducing the amount of water pollution generated by nonpoint sources. Specifically, the term was used with respect to surface water and practices for complying with the Federal Clean Water Act. “Water Quality BMPs” is the phrase often used for this connotation. Increasingly, however, the term “BMPs” is used in a broader sense and encompasses subjects beyond surface water quality, such as soils, visual management, and other timber management practices. Borrow Pit: That area from which soil is removed to build up the road bed, sometimes directly adjacent and parallel to a road. Broad-based Dip: A surface drainage structure specifically designed to drain water from a permanent road while allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds. Check Dam: A small dam constructed of rocks and placed in road side ditchs, ruts, gullies or other areas of channelized flow. The purpose of check dams is to interrupt the movement of channelized flows, decrease the flow velocities, and promote deposition of sediment at regular intervals. Corduroy: Logs placed over a swamp to reinforce the natural root mat for the purpose of minimizing the risk foundation failure of a temporary road. Culvert: A conduit through which surface water can flow under roads. Cut-and-Fill: Process of earth moving by excavating part of an area and using the excavated material for adjacent embankments or fill areas. Disking: A site preparation system where a heavy harrow with large disks is pulled over a site in order to eliminate competing vegetation. Diversion Ditch: A channel with a supporting ridge on the lower side constructed across a slope for the purpose of intercepting surface runoff.

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Ephemeral Draw: A topographic feature in which two ridges or mounds of earth come together, channeling water flow downslope and possibly accelerating on site erosion during a rain event. Skidding up or down these features should be avoided. Energy Dissipaters: Materials or structures, placed at the discharge end of a culvert or ditch, which interrupt and spread the flow of water, thus reducing the water's power to cause erosion. Erosion: The process by which soil particles are detached and transported by water, wind, and gravity to some down slope or downstream point. Felling: The process of severing trees from stumps. Filter Strip: See riparian management zone. Fireline: A barrier used to stop the spread of fire constructed by removing fuel or rendering fuel inflammable by use of water or fire retardants. Forest Floor: Organic matter on top of the mineral soil surface in the forest, including litter and unincorporated humus. Grade: The slope of a road or trail expressed as a percent of change in elevation per unit of distance traveled. Groundwater: The subsurface water supply in the saturated zone below the level of the water table. Gully: A form of soil erosion which is a channel in the soil, caused by storm runoff, usually more than 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Harvesting: The felling, loading, and transportation of forest products. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): An ecological approach to pest management in which all available necessary techniques are consolidated into a unified program so that pest populations can be managed in such a manner that economic damage is avoided and adverse side effects are minimized. Loading: The act of placing material on a vehicle for further transport. Mulching: Providing any loose covering for exposed forest soil, using organic residues, such as grass, straw or wood fibers to protect exposed soil and help control erosion. Non-point Source Pollution: Pollution caused when rain, snowmelt, or wind carry pollutants off the land and into lakes, streams, wetlands, and other water bodies. Hydrologic alterations and atmospheric deposition are also considered nonpoint source pollutants. Nutrients: Mineral elements in the forest ecosystem, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium that are naturally present or may be added to the forest environment by forest practices such as fertilizer or fire-retardant applications. Substances necessary for the growth and reproduction of organisms. In water, those substances that promote growth of algae and bacteria; chiefly nitrates and phosphates. Ordinary High Water Mark: An elevation which marks the boundary of the lake, marsh or stream bed. It is the highest level at which the water has remained long enough to leave its mark upon the landscape. Generally, it is the point where the natural vegetation changes from

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predominately aquatic to predominately terrestrial. Pesticides: Chemical compounds or biological agents used for the control of undesirable plants, animals, insects or diseases. Prescribed Burning: Skillful application of fire to natural fuels that will allow confinement of the fire to a predetermined area and at the same time will produce certain planned benefits. Rake: A site preparation tool normally mounted on the front of a crawler tractor, used to remove trees, stumps, roots and slash from a future planting site. Riparian Management Zone (RMZ): An area of land adjacent to a water body which acts to trap and filter out suspended sediments, nutrients, and chemicals before reaching surface waters. Harvesting and other forest management activities are permitted in the strip, as long as the functional integrity of the strip is maintained. Shade from the RMZ may also reduce thermal pollution of an adjacent stream. Riprap: A layer of boulders or rock fragments placed over a soil to protect it from the erosive forces of flowing water. Runoff: In forest areas, that portion of precipitation that flows from a drainage area on the land surface or in open channels. Rut: A depression in the soils of the forest floor or depressions in dirt roads or skid trails made from the passage of vehicles or logging equipment. Scarification: The process of removing the forest floor or mixing it with the mineral soil by mechanical action preparatory to natural or direct seeding or the planting of tree seedlings. Sediment: Solid material that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin. Severe Erosion Hazard: A rating in the classification of soils indicating the relative risk of soil loss in well-managed forest land. A severe rating indicates the need for intensive management, or special equipment and methods to prevent excessive soil loss. Silt Fence: A fabric made of geotextile and installed to prevent the off-site movement of sediment transported by overland flows. Site Preparation: A forest activity to remove unwanted vegetation and other material, and to cultivate or prepare the soil for reforestation. Skidding: The act of moving trees from the site of felling to a loading area or landing. Skidding may be accomplished by tractors, horses, or specialized logging equipment. Skid Trails: A temporary pathway over forest soil to drag felled trees or logs to a landing. Slash: Unwanted, unutilized, and generally unmarketable accumulation of woody material in the forest such as limbs, tops, cull logs, and stumps that remain as forest residue after timber harvesting. May be useful as material to deposit on skid trails to slow water movement and erosion. Stream: An area that may or may not be serving as a drain that has definite banks, a bed, and visible evidence of a continued flow or continued occurrence of water.

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Turnout: A widened space in a road to allow vehicles to pass one another and which slopes away (downhill) from the road. Also, a drainage ditch which drains water away from roads. Vernal Pond: A small, shallow, intermittently flooded wetland, generally dry for most of the summer and fall. Vernal ponds provide critical habitat for breeding amphibians, and are also important for certain invertebrates and plants. Bears coming out of hibernation also rely on vernal ponds as a food source during the spring. Water Bar: A ditch and trench across a trail or road tied into the uphill side for the purpose of carrying water runoff into the vegetation, duff, ditch, or dispersion area so that water runoff does not gain the volume and velocity which causes soil movement and erosion. Properly installed man-made materials, such as conveyor belts, may also be used as water bars. Water Pollution: Any introduction of foreign material into water or other impingement upon water which produces undesirable changes in the physical, biological, or chemical characteristics of that water. Watershed: The surrounding land area that drains into a lake, river or river system. Waters of the State: Any surface or underground waters, except those surface waters which are not confined, but are spread and diffused over the land. This includes all lakes, ponds, wetlands, rivers, streams, ditches, springs, and waters from underground aquifers, regardless of their size or location. Wetlands: Geographic areas characteristically supporting wetlands vegetation or aquatic life and commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh. Surface water is usually present all or some part of the year; however, wetlands may also be delineated by the type of soils and vegetation contained therein. Wildfire: Uncontrolled fires occurring in forest land, brushland, and grassland. Windrow: Slash, residue and debris raked together into piles or rows.

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APPENDIX B - WORKING WITHIN THE LAWS GOVERNING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION Forestry BMP’s are practical and cost effective methods that are specifically designed to help protect the State’s aquatic resources by minimizing the effect of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution caused by human activities on the landscape. NPS pollution is one of the leading causes of water pollution and aquatic ecosystem degradation in the nation. NPS pollution comes from a wide variety of diffuse sources including atmospheric deposition, agriculture, urban storm water runoff, mine drainage, land development, road building and numerous other land use activities. In the forested landscape, rainfall or snowmelt runoff moving over and through the ground can carry natural and man-made pollutants toward water sources eventually depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, or underground aquifers. Examples of these pollutants include excess fertilizers and pesticides from silvicultural activities and sediment runoff from harvest sites, skid trails, road building, bridge or culvert installation and other land altering activities. There are a number of state and federal statutes that relate to Michigan aquatic resource protection including the protection of ponds, inland lakes, the Great Lakes and intermittent and perennial streams. In Michigan, Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Act, P.A. 451 of 1994, addresses direct or indirect discharges that impact water quality, wildlife, fish, aquatic life and plants. Appendix C highlights Part 31 and other specific laws regulating forestry activities and related infrastructure installation and maintenance (bridges, culverts, roads). Permits are required in a number of situations such as crossing streams and wetlands or building haul roads. These state and/or local permits help ensure proper engineering design and environmental protection. If you have questions regarding specific permit requirements, please contact the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or the local district DEQ Service Center(Note that a storm water permit is not required for mobile logging operations). Failure to secure the necessary permits while engaged in logging, road building, and/or crossing streams activities is against the law. Violations could lead to enforcement actions and the possibility of fines of up to $25,000 per day.

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APPENDIX C - LIST OF APPLICABLE LAWS IN MICHIGAN Part 17, Michigan Environmental Protection Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). This Act provides for the protection of air, water, and other natural resources, and the public trust associated with those resources. It provides the right to any person to bring an action against another person, agency, corporation, and political subdivision for conduct that may pollute, impair or destroy air, water, or other natural resources. Part 31, (Section 3108) Water Resource Protection (Floodplain Regulatory Authority), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). A Part 31 permit (Section 3108) is required for any occupation, construction, filling, or grade change within the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, drain, or lake. Bridges and culverts are considered an occupation of the floodplain, as are activities that involve storage of materials in the floodplain. A 100-year flood has a 1% chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given year. These activities are regulated by a permit system with the purpose of ensuring that the channels and floodways are kept clear and uninhabited and that structures placed outside the floodway are properly protected from flood damage. The floodway includes the stream channel and that portion of the floodplain that is required to convey the flow of floodwater. Structures that are placed outside of the floodway portion of the floodplain must be properly protected from flood damage. This can be accomplished by elevating structures above the 100-year floodplain elevation or by designing the structures to be water tight without human intervention. Part 31, (Section 3109) Water Resource Protection (Discharge into state waters), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). Section 3109 of Part 31 is the statute used in the State of Michigan to address direct or indirect discharges of a substance that is or may become injurious to any of the follow: a) public health, safety, or welfare, b) waters used for domestic, commercial, industrial, recreational or other uses, c) value and utility of riparian lands, d) livestock, wild animals, birds, fish aquatic life, or plants or to their growth and propagation, and the value of fish or game. Pursuant to the Part 31 statute specific rules have been promulgated to address pollutants or substances such as excess sediment that can become injurious to waters of the state and aquatic life and its productivity. Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). The purpose of Part 91 is to prevent soil erosion and to protect the waters of the State from sedimentation. A permit is required for any earth change that disturbs one or more acres of land OR that is within 500 feet of a lake or stream. Plowing and tilling for crop production and integral activities associated with logging and mining do not require permits. Access roads leading to or from a logging area, and ancillary and support activities associated with logging and mining, are subject to permits. A SESC permit is obtained by contacting your local county or municipal enforcing agency, CEA or MEA. For more information on the SESC program, please visit www.michigan.gov/deq/wb and select “Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.” Whether a permit is required or not, the landowner is responsible for preventing off-site sedimentation. Activities that result in sedimentation to the waters of the State are a violation of Part 91 and are subject to enforcement actions by either the County Enforcing Agency or the State of Michigan. The counties are primarily responsible for issuing Part 91 permits. Prior to

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obtaining a permit, the landowner, or his/her designated agent, must submit an application and comprehensive soil erosion and sedimentation control plan to the appropriate county agency. Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). The intent of the Inland Lake and Stream Protection Program is to protect the integrity of the land/water interface, the correlative rights of other riparian owners, and public trust in the inland waters of the State. Crossing a permanent or intermittent stream while skidding forest products or transporting them to the mill requires a Part 301 permit. Road and pedestrian crossings, as well as utility crossings, that disturb land below the ordinary high water mark are examples of common projects that require a Part 301 permit. A storm water outfall, with or without stream bank or streambed protection (riprap), stream relocations and enclosures are also examples of projects requiring a permit. Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). Part 303 defines a wetland as "land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation, or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh." The following construction activities are prohibited in wetlands, unless a Part 303 permit has been obtained from the DEQ:

• Deposit or permit the placing of fill material in a wetland. • Dredge, remove, or permit the removal of soil or minerals from a wetland. • Construct, operate, or maintain any use or development from a wetland. • Drain surface water from a wetland.

Regulated wetlands are defined in Part 303 and associated administrative rules. However, silvicultural and timber harvesting activities, such as the building of roads for wood transport, are exempt from obtaining a Part 303 permit, as long as adverse effects on the wetland are minimized and the roads are built solely for logging or forestry purposes. Part 305, Natural Rivers Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). This statute regulates all development and land uses, including timber harvesting and stream crossings, on both public and private lands, that are within 400 feet of a designated stream. Part 305 requires DNR approval of plans for the locatin and construction of any utility or publicly provided facility, including roads, bridges and culverts, within a designated Natural River Area. Each designated river system is managed according to a long-range management plan. This plan outlines the specific manner in which lands and water are to be managed to protect the unique river values of a designated Natural River system. Both mainstream and tributaries are regulated under Part 305. Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management, of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). This program provides for the designation and proper management of environmental areas, high-risk erosion areas and flood risk areas along the Great Lakes shoreline. These areas include coastal wetlands and the adjacent uplands that provide habitat and nursery for fish and wildlife. A Part 323 permit is required for certain activities in a designated environmental area.

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Part 353, Sand Dunes Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). The designated critical dune areas along the Great Lakes shoreline are areas where the most unique and fragile sand dunes are found. This program minimizes the impact of development on these critical dune areas. A permit is required for all proposed new uses in designated critical dune areas mapped in the "Atlas of Critical Dune Areas", prepared by the DEQ. Part 365, Endangered Species Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). This statute protects threatened and endangered species from being taken or harmed during project development activities unless a permit is issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Where threatened and endangered species are thought to exist, the landowner or responsible party is required to request an environmental review by the DNR to determine whether or not threatened or endangered species may be impacted by planned activities. Part 515, Forest Protection and Forest Fires Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). This establishes the machinery to protect the forest from fires. It applies to all forest land; timbered, potential timber producing, cutover or burned timber land or grasslands, not including farmland. It requires a permit for burning on or adjacent to forestland, except for domestic purposes, and when the ground is snow covered. NPDES – Michigan Environmental Protection Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, permits are required for fixed forestry activities such as permanent log storage areas maintained by paper mills or saw mills. Discharge to a storm sewer does not go to a municipal treatment facility, and is considered a direct discharge. Discharge to a municipal treatment facility may require a permit from the municipality under the Industrial Pretreatment Program. Act 676 of 2002, Right to Forest Act. An Act to provide for circumstances under which certain forestry operations shall not be found to be a public or private nuisance; to provide for certain forestry management practices; to provide for certain powers and duties for certain state agencies and departments; and to provide remedies.

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e to the official Michigan.gov web site. This site uses adaptive technology. Instructions are provided within the Accessibility Policy. Skip Navigation APPENDIX D - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING STREAM CROSSING REGULATIONS AND PERMITS APPLICABLE LAWS: Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control, and Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). Definition of a stream: Has a defined bed, bank and some occurrence of water flow at sometime during the year. Who is in charge of enforcing this law? The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). When do I need to apply for a permit? Any time you plan to engage in an activity that may involve putting material or structures in or over a stream or stream bank. Typical logging/forestry situations requiring a Part 301, Part 91, and Part 31 permits include:

1. Moving equipment or logs across a stream at any time during a logging or forest management operation.

2. Installation of a culvert or temporary bridge. 3. Modification or improvement of an existing culvert or bridge. 4. Activity that may result in deposition of material in a stream or that may affect natural

stream flows. 5. Activity that occurs below the ordinary high water mark of the stream (e.g. the top of the

stream bank). 6. Use of “ice bridges” that involve placing fill, snow or slash in the stream bed area.

Where do I go to apply for a permit? Contact your local DEQ office. A map illustrating the location of local DEQ offices throughout the state is available at the website http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-lwm-lwmdstaff.pdf How much does this permit cost? The majority of stream crossings used for logging/forestry will have a permit cost of $50. If the drainage area of the stream is more than two square miles, the permit cost is $100. Installation of a newly created permanent stream crossing may have a permit cost of $500. How much will cost to install a stream crossing? Costs may vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on what infrastructure is required and how much labor is involved in meeting DEQ permit requirements. What is the preferred method of crossing a stream? The use of portable wooden or steel bridges is the preferred method, as proper installation involves the least amount of impact on the stream as well as unimpeded fish passage. What about the use of rocks or logs to cross the stream? The DEQ will not issue a permit for the use of such materials to construct a stream crossing. Rare exceptions may be made, but only after careful review and consideration by DEQ permitting staff. What can I do to shorten the time it takes to get a permit? Contact your local DEQ office and work with the appropriate person closely throughout the permitting process. Providing clear and accurate photos of the stream crossing site and meeting with permitting staff on site may also help speed up the permitting process. How can I find out more information regarding stream crossing permits: Please contact your local DEQ office or visit the DEQ/USACE Joint Permit Application website. http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_29692_24403-67347--,00.html. This website provides an extensive amount of information regarding the permit requirements for construction activities where the land and the water meet.

http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-lwm-lwmdstaff.pdf

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APPENDIX E – VEGETATIVE EROSION CONTROL GUIDELINES FOR NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Introduction The purpose of this document is to provide information to facilitate the successful and timely re-establishment of vegetation following earth change activities. In most situations, vegetation is the best means of controlling wind or water erosion and preventing sediment transport and off-site sedimentation. This document focuses on methods for the quick establishment of vegetative ground cover and establishing permanent native vegetative ground cover. It also discusses what environmental regulations apply regarding establishing vegetative cover for erosion control. With respect to erosion control, the key legislation (and its administrative rules) that applies here is Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). As discussed in the manual, “Sustainable Soil and Water Quality Practices on Forest Land”, Part 91 applies whenever there is an “earth change” (e.g. removal of the vegetative cover and soil disturbance by a bulldozer) that is one or more acres in size or within 500 feet of a water body. Refer to the manual’s section 2, “Laws and Permits” and Appendix C – “List of Applicable Laws in Michigan”, for more information regarding Part 91 and its requirements. Natural revegetation of areas in which the vegetative ground cover has been removed rarely occurs with the rapidity or vigor required to prevent erosion. Consequently, methods that quickly re-establish vegetative ground cover are required. Seeding using grass species is the most commonly used and most effective means of re-establishing vegetation. For erosion control, many governmental agencies and landowners have relied heavily on using certain non-native and invasive plant grass species. However, increasingly it is being recognized that these species can cause ecological damage. Alternatives are being sought to control erosion using grass species native to the region and state. An additional consideration is to use native plant species seed of a locally adapted genotype (seed from local populations of native species) as locally adapted genotypes often grow better in the long term. Definitions That Apply To This Document Native plants are naturally occurring species that existed in Michigan prior to European settlement. Native plant genotypes are represented by genetic strains that have evolved in Michigan and are assumed to be adapted to Michigan's conditions. Non-native species are species that were not naturally occurring in Michigan prior to European settlement. Some of these plants have had little impact on native species, others have had direct negative impacts on native species. Invasive non-native plants are species that have had direct negative impact on our state's natural resources. These plants are very aggressive and out compete native plants. Examples include autumn olive and purple loosestrife.

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Native and Introduced Species Within the natural resource management field, as well as the general public, there is increasing concern regarding current and potential future damage to native ecosystems due to the establishment and spread of certain non-native plant species (e.g., garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, crownvetch). These non-native species are referred to as “invasive” as they disrupt native ecosystems that maintain or conserve native plant and animal biodiversity. Many non-native grasses and other plant species introduced in the past and promoted for erosion control have proved to be less beneficial for their intended purpose than native species. Some of these introduced species have become invasive or noxious. However, many non-native plant species, such as those used for erosion control, are economical and readily available relative to native plant species. Native species can be expensive and only available from a limited number of suppliers. Despite these factors, forest land managers and others are realizing long-term ecological and economic benefits by re-establishing locally adapted genotypes of native vegetation for erosion control and other restoration efforts. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and federal land management agencies emphasize or, in some cases, require the use of native species vegetation, and, if available, locally adapted genotypes on the lands they manage. The MDNR encourages the use of native seed or native vegetation on private lands as well. To meet legal requirements and prevent soil from eroding into a water body, certain introduced species may be used, especially if quick establishment of vegetative cover is needed. However, this document only recommends those non-native species that are not considered to be invasive, which are most likely to promote the natural succession of the site to native ground cover or are not likely to interfere with the native seed applied at a later date. Planning and Site Assessment Proper planning and site assessment is essential to insure erosion control and establishment of native ground cover. The selection of plant species to use and establishment procedures should match the plant’s adaptations to local site conditions, including:

• available sunlight • slope • topography • local climate • soil drainage class • soil texture • proximity to environmentally-sensitive areas or natural plant communities • soil fertility • soil pH

To ensure proper establishment, a soil test may need to be taken at the site and soil amendments (e.g., fertilizer and lime) may need to be applied. In many cases, soil amendments will not be necessary when using suitable native plants. Managers should plan to stockpile the topsoil that was removed from the site during road and landing construction, to later use when topsoil is needed for the re-establishment of vegetative ground cover.

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Site Preparation The purpose of site preparation is to have good contact between soil and seed to achieve acceptable levels of germination. For temporary roads, landings and primary skid trails, site preparation generally occurs after harvest operations have been completed. Where disturbed/bare soil sites are small and soil compaction is minimal, it may be suitable to use a hand rake to prepare the seedbed (e.g., secondary skid trails in a Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) on dry, upland or non-saturated soils). Topsoil Use It is essential for successful and quick revegetation to have a suitable depth of firm, but friable topsoil. Part 91 erosion control guidelines state that disturbed sites have a minimum of 3 to 4 inches of firm, but friable topsoil. However, these same guidelines allow for professional judgment and knowledge as to what depth of native topsoil will work as a suitable seedbed. Stockpiled topsoil that was removed from the site during road or landing construction should be re-applied when the constructed roads and landings are no longer required for operational or other forest management purposes (e.g. access to replant tree seedlings after a clearcut has occurred). On sloped areas, prior to re-application of topsoil, roughen the subsoil to prevent a shear or smooth surface and slippage of the topsoil. Typically, surface roughening is accomplished by running tracked equipment (e.g. bulldozer) up and down the sloped area. If more topsoil is required to provide suitable seedbed germination, acquire topsoil from a source native to the area. Use topsoil that is not contaminated with non-native, weedy and invasive species. Part 91 administrative rules state that a person shall complete permanent soil erosion control measures for all disturbed land areas within 5 calendar days after final grading or the final earth change has been completed. However, when seedbed preparation and/or seeding must be delayed due to weather, climate, seasonal conditions or certain resource management issues (pertinent to the site), then appropriate temporary erosion control (e.g. mulch) and sedimentation control measures (e.g. silt fence) shall be installed and maintained until seedbed preparation and seeding can commence. Seeding and Erosion Control– Native and “Safe” Non-Native Species Use Seed may be applied by hand, mechanical spreader, seed drill, or by hydro-seeding. Some native species must be applied with a drill. Two objectives should be considered when seeding:

1) What is required to meet Part 91 requirements (quick establishment of vegetative cover and minimal erosion and sedimentation).

2) Long-term establishment of native vegetation. To meet both of these objectives usually requires, at a minimum, the application of grass seed that is fast growing and provides fairly quick erosion control. As with other BMPs, there are a number of options based on the conditions of the site and when the seed is applied. Seeding Recommendations Seed Rates All seeding rates, such as those stated in Table 2, are in pounds of "pure live seed" (PLS). In the case of certain native species, this can be significantly more than the weight of bulk seed.

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When accounting for the amount of PLS, one will need to purchase and use more bulk seed than the weight per acre recommendations given for a particular seed species. Use the following formula to derive the required weight of bulk seed from the PLS rate. Germination, hard seed (a characteristic of legume seeds), and purity percentages are found on the information label attached to all commercially purchased seed.

Pounds (lbs) of Bulk Seed = *)ngerminatio(*)seedhard*purity(

PLSlbs+

*express % purity, hard seed, and germination in hundredths; i.e. 97% = 0.97 For example, a seed label indicates Canada Wild Rye that has a germination rate of 90 percent, no hard seed content, and a purity of 97 percent. The “Cool Season” seed mix from Table 2 requires 4 pounds of Canada Wild Rye PLS/acre. Compute the bulk seed rate as follows:

lbs of bulk Canada Wild Rye seed = )90.0()097.0(

4+

= 873.04

lbs of bulk Canada Wild Rye seed = 4.6 (which is the equivalent of 4 lbs of PLS) Table 1 provides a list of native and non-native ground cover species (grasses and forbs) to consider for erosion control. Table 1 provides, by plant species, the soil texture, soil moisture, and sunlight requirements for successful germination and establishment. The comments portion contains information as to whether a species is native or non-native, perennial or annual, and (for grasses only) if it is considered a warm season or cool season grass.

Key for Information in Tables 1 and 2:

SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION S - Sand D - Dry S - Full Sun UP-Upper Peninsula

L - Loam M - Moist P – Partial Shade NLP-Northern Lower Peninsula

C - Clay W - Wet Sh – Shade SLP -Southern Lower Peninsula

M - Muck SW - Statewide

Table 1. Native And Non-Native Plant Species To Use For Erosion Control In Forest Land

SPECIES NAMES Common (Latin) SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION Comments Grasses: American beach grass (Ampophila breviligulata)

S D S SW Native perennial, dune stabilization – use plugs, not seed

Annual rye (Lolium multiflorum)

S-L-C D-M-W S, P, Sh SW Non-native annual, temporary cover

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SPECIES NAMES Common (Latin) SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION Comments Big bluestem (Andropogan gerardii)

S-L-C D-M-W S SW Native perennial, warm season grass*

Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra)

S-L-C D-M-W S , P SW Non-native perennial

Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

S-L-C D-M-W S-P NLP, SLP Native perennial, warm season grass*

June grass (Koelaria micrantha)

S-L-C D-M S, P SW Native perennial, cool season grass**

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparius)

S-L D-M S, P SW Native perennial, warm season grass*, dune stabilization

Oats (Avena sativa)

S-L-C D-M S, P SW Non-native annual, temporary cover

Redtop (Agrostis gigantea)

L, C, M M-W S SW Non-native perennial, cool season grass**

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

S-L-C D-W S SW Native perennial, warm season grass*

Wild-rye, Canada (Elymus canadensis)

S-L D-M-W S, P, Sh SW Native perennial, cool season grass**

Wild-rye, Virginia (Elymus virginicus)

L-C M-W S, P, Sh SW Native perennial, cool season grass**

Forbs (Wildflowers) Legumes: Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum)

L-M D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, perennial, good for forest roads in northern hardwoods

Lupine (Lupinus perennis)

S-L D-M S - P SLP + Newaygo Co.

Native perennial, butterfly host, nectar source

Medium Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

S-L-C D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, perennial legume, good for forest roads in northern hardwoods

Round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza capitata)

S-L D-M S SLP + Newaygo Co.

Native perennial legume, wildlife food

White Dutch Clover (Trifolium repens)

L-C-M D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, perennial legume, good for forest roads in northern hardwoods

Other Wildflowers: Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

L-C D-M S-P SW Showy native perennial, yellow

Butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

S-L D-M S SW Showy native perennial, orange

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

S-L D-M S-P SW Native perennial, pink, butterfly food

Horsemint (Monarda punctata)

S-L D-M S SW Native perennial, white/pink

Lance-leaved coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

S-L-C D-M S.P SW Showy native perennial, yellow

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SPECIES NAMES Common (Latin) SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION Comments Starry false solomon-seal (Smilacina stellata)

S D-M S-P SW Native perennial, dune stabilization, white

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

S-L-C D-M S SW Showy native perennial, pink

* Warm season grasses = most of their growing occurs during the warm summer months, July, Aug, Sept. ** Cool season grasses= most of their growing occurs in cool, spring months, May, June

Table 2. Two Examples of Seed Mixtures Using Native Plants

Mix type Common Name Rate.

lbs/acre Canada Wild-rye 4 Wild Virginia-rye 5 Cool Season Annual rye 5 Big Bluestem 4 Indian grass 3 Warm Season Switchgrass 1

Note: For the Upper Peninsula, substitute Little Bluestem for Indian Grass

Other Items to Consider When Planting Native Species in a Forested Setting: While Part 91 erosion control guidelines can contain helpful information, they were developed with the primary purpose of establishing grass cover on construction sites after final grading has been completed. The next paragraph provides a few additional considerations specifically designed for natural resource management purposes. For more specific technical information as to the proper timing, soils and general methods to insure long-term establishment of a native plant seeding, contact the firm from which you purchased the seed. As with introduced grasses, native grass/wildflower seed germination success requires good seed contact with soil. Depending on the site conditions, prepare the soil as needed and either handsow or use a prairie drill such as the Tye drill, Truax drill, or the John Deere Rangeland drill. If handsowing, it is advisable to mix the seed with a contact mulch such as wetted sand or vermiculite. If handsowed, rake or drag the seed in so that it is lightly covered with soil. Roll the site with a roller or drive over it to firm seed into the soil. Do not roll the site if the soil is wet so as to avoid soil compaction. Hydro-seeding is generally not recommended for wildflower and prairie grass seeding, as it does not ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Mulch Use after Seed Application In some cases, applying the detritus from the forest floor may be considered if erosion is not an immediate threat, the site is not near a water body and conditions are right for seed within the detritus to establish. In most situations, it will be appropriate to apply a light covering of clean, weed-free straw with some moisture content, as this will increase germination rates. This is particularly helpful on dry

66 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

sandy soils and heavy clay soils. Straw should just cover the soil surface, but not bury it. Some soil should be visible through the straw. Chopping and blowing the straw onto the area is the best method, as chopped straw is less susceptible to being blown away by the wind. On steep slopes, hold the straw in place by using biodegradable stakes and mesh over the straw. Never use field hay, as it invariably contains innumerable weed seeds. Conclusion These guidelines are just that, guidelines as of early 2007. Introduced plant species used for erosion control and site stabilization have been researched and used for a long time. Conversely, the amount of information available regarding the use of native plant species for erosion control and site stabilization is far less, especially with respect to what will work for the various ecological regions of a given state, such as Michigan. Hence, it is essential that users of these guidelines keep abreast of vegetation erosion guideline updates. Use professional judgment and past experience as to what will prevent erosion, meet Part 91 requirements, and result in the establishment of native vegetation genotypes adapted to the local site conditions. The DNR and DEQ recognize that the use of native species is more expensive than using introduced species and are more difficult to obtain. However, native species with local region genotypes are the species best adapted to the site conditions and survival for the long-term, without harm to the environment or Michigan’s biodiversity conservation efforts. A number of Michigan firms which produce seed native to Michigan have formed an association called the Michigan Native Plant Producers Association. Their website is: http://www.mnppa.org/. Another source for information is the Michigan Wildflower Association. Their website is: http://www.wildflowersmich.org/. Another related site is the Michigan Association Conservation District’s website on native plants. This website is: http://www.macd.org/nativeplants/nphome.html. Many county conservation districts sell native plants, as well as provide general and technical information regarding the uses and benefits of various native plant species.

http://www.mnppa.org/

http://www.wildflowersmich.org/

http://www.macd.org/nativeplants/nphome.html

67 DRAFT IC 4011 (Rev. 04/05/2007)

REFERENCES

Blinn, Charlie, et. al., Temporary Stream and Wetland Crossing Options for Forest Management, General Technical Report NC-202, 1998. Michigan Department of Transportation. 2003 Specification Standards for Construction. National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Forestry, EPA-841-B-05-001, Environmental Protection Agency, 1998. Nonpoint Source Pollution: The Nation's Largest Water Quality Problem, Pointer No. 1., EPA841-F-96-004A, Environmental Protection Agency. Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, 2005. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual. Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 2003. Water Quality Management Practices on Forest Land, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 1994. Welsch, David, et.al. Forested Wetlands: Functions, Benefits and Use of Best Management Practices, NA-PR-01-05, 1995. Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality. Publication number FR-093. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 1995.

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